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.
Seat belts, Feb 14, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILED TO BUCKLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
Steering, Suspension, Jan 26, 2013
I AM THE OWNER OF A 2012 SONATA LIMITED TURBO. I HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY LOYAL TO THE HYUNDAI SONATA BRAND, THIS BEING MY FOURTH SONATA. I PURCHASED 2 OF THEM USED (BOTH 2006'S) AND THE OTHER TWO BRAND NEW (2009 & 2012). UNTIL THIS MOST RECENT NEW VEHICLE, I HAVE NOT HAD A SINGLE PROBLEM WITH ANY OF THE THREE OTHERS. THEY ARE PRETTY AMAZING CARS, IF YOU ASK ME. THEY ARE A WORLD AWAY FROM HYUNDAI?S FIRST IMPORTS OF THE EXCEL IN 1986. VIN NUMBER IS[XXX]. HAVING DRIVEN THE CAR A SHORT TIME, IT SEEMED TO ME THAT THE CAR WANDERED EXCESSIVELY AND ALWAYS FELT ON THE PARKWAY THAT YOU WERE DRIVING ON THE CREST OF THE ROAD. AT 65 MPH AND ABOVE, MY IMPRESSION IS THAT THIS CAR IS ALL OVER THE ROAD. I WROTE TO HYUNDAI ON FEBRUARY 15TH, 2012 WHEN THE CAR HAD 475 MILES ON IT. I WAS GIVEN CASE NUMBER [XXX]. L THOUGHT IT WAS ALIGNMENT PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE WANDERING CONDITION. WHEN PICKING IT UP, I ASKED ABOUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THERE WAS AN AIR PRESSURE PROBLEM. NO ALIGNMENT WAS DONE. ON A WINDING ROAD, IT IS ALL OVER THE ROAD. I WROTE AGAIN TO HYUNDAI ON JULY 19ST. I WAS GIVEN CASE NUMBER [XXX]. THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD BE CONTACTING THE SERVICE MANAGER. I HAVE YET TO HEAR BACK FROM HYUNDAI. I'D LIKE A FACTORY REP OR ZONE MANAGER TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND THEN EXAMINE IT TO DETERMINE WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO THIS CAR TO EITHER FIX IT, OR REPLACE IT. I?D ALSO LIKE TO DRIVE AN IDENTICAL 2012 TURBO TO SEE IF IT IS PERHAPS, JUST MY CAR THAT IS PROBLEMATIC. THIS CAR WAS BROUGHT IN THREE DIFFERENT TIMES TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS. BOTH SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, HOWEVER, INDEPENDANT SHOPS AND OTHER PEOPLE DRIVING THIS CAR CORNFIRM THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAYS. IF YOU WERE TO LOSE CONCENTRATION FOR EVEN A MOMENT, YOU WOULD BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Wheels, Jan 21, 2013, crash
THE 18 INCH TIRES ON THE 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA HAVE ZERO TRACTION ON ANY SURFACE THAT IS NOT DRY. A DUSTING OF SNOW MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE THIS CAR. TRAVELING AT 5 MPH WHILE TURNING FROM A DEAD STOP INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD ON A LIGHT COATING OF SNOW CAUSED THE CAR TO SLIDE OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT A LARGE ROCK CAUSING FRONT FENDER/ BUMPER DAMAGE THEN BOUNCED BACK ONTO THE ROAD. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THE CAR HAS SLID ON ANYTHING BUT A DRY SURFACE. ALL LAST WINTER, WE HAD TO LEAVE THE CAR IN THE GARAGE IF THERE WAS ANY SNOW ON THE GROUND. WE HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. IT IS UNDRIVEABLE IN ANY SNOW. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THEY HAVE HEARD ABOUT COMPLAINTS ON THE 18 INCH TIRES, BUT OFFER NO SOLUTIONS. THESE TIRES ARE A HAZARD AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE LOOKED FOR SNOW TIRES OR OTHER SOLUTIONS, BUT THEY ARE NOT MADE FOR 18 INCH WHEELS. *TR
Engine, Jan 10, 2013
2012 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS. MILEAGE NOT AS ADVERTISED. STICKER SAID 25 CITY AND 35 HIGHWAY. HAVE TRACKED MILEAGE FROM 1000 TO 5000 MILES AND AVERAGES 23 MPG INCLUDING SOME HIGHWAY DRIVING. NEVER DRIVE AGGRESSIVELY. I BOUGHT THIS CAR THINKING I WOULD BE GETTING MILEAGE AS ADVERTISED. TRIED TO CALL HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 800-633-5151 FOR A CASE NUMBER AND WAS ON HOLD FOR 10 MINUTES BEFORE HANGING UP. ALLEN HYUNDAI DEALER SAYS NOTHING THEY COULD DO AND RECOMMENDED GOING TO ANOTHER DEALER FOR MILEAGE TESTING OR CALL HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE. *TR
Steering, Dec 29, 2012
BOUGHT CAR AS NEW WITH 6172 MILES, CAR HAS CONSISTENT PULL TO RIGHT, WHEN TRYING TO MAKE CORRECTION, CAR STARTS TO PULL HARDER. DROVE CAR ON SNOWY ROADS AND WAS UNABLE TO KEEP CAR IN LANE AT A SAFE DRIVING SPEED WITH TRAFFIC, CAUSING ME TO SLOW AND BECAME A HAZARD ON ROADWAY. HAVE TAKEN TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS 4 TIMES BEING TOLD "THAT THIS A NORMAL CONDITION AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG". HAVE TAKEN TO THIRD PARTY REPAIR SHOP, WHO HAS DOCUMENTED A PULLING PROBLEM, BUT UNABLE TO REPAIR DUE TO WHAT THEY DIAGNOSE AS A COMPUTER POWER ASSIST PROBLEM. DRIVE CAR ONLY ON DRY ROADS AND NOT BEING USED FOR DAILY USE DUE TO THIS UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STEERING CONDITION. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Dec 28, 2012
VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES FOR STEERING ISSUE. CAR PULLS TO RIGHT NO MATTER ROAD CONDITIONS, TYPE OF ROAD, OR SPEED OF VEHICLE. CAR SHOWED EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR AROUND 3500 MILES. IN TOTAL CAR HAS BEEN ALIGNED FIVE TIMES, FOUR NEW TIRES PUT ON CAR, NEW STRUTS AND MOUNTS, AND NEW SHOCKS. HAD INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DRIVE VEHICLE AFTER VEHICLE "REPAIRED" FIFTH TIME AND HE SAID THERE IS SOMETHING DEFINITELY WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE'S STEERING. WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY TO INFORM THEM THAT THEIR LAST ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE FAILED. THEY BASICALLY BLEW MY HUSBAND OFF AND TOLD HIM THE CAR IS FIXED. HOWEVER, CAR IS STILL PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND HE IS EXPERIENCING ARM FATIGUE FROM THE PULLING OF THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR
Steering, Dec 21, 2012
SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE, IT HAS HAD STEERING PROBLEMS. IT TRACKS CONSTANTLY TO THE LEFT AND IS EXHAUSTING HOLDING THE WHEEL IN LINE ON LONGER TRIPS. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES AND THEY HAVE GIVEN A VARIETY OF REASONS/EXCUSES. THE FIELD MANAGER CAME OUT AND WHEN I PICKED THE CAR UP, ALL THEY SAID WAS IT WAS FINE AND NOTHING WAS DONE. IT IS WEARING THE TIRES. I SAW THAT THERE WAS SOME SORT OF FIX FOR THE 2011, BUT CLEARLY THIS NEEDS A FIX. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Dec 12, 2012
THE WINDSHIELD IS OPTICALLY DISTORTED AND HAS BEEN SINCE DAY #1. I POINTED THAT OUT TO THE DEALER'S SERVICE TEAM 2 TIMES. THE SECOND TIME THE SERVICE MANAGER PULLED UP A 2013 & SHOWED ME THAT IT WAS DISTORTED LIKE MY WINDSHIELD & SAID IT MUST BE NORMAL. I ASKED IF IT COULD BE REPLACED HE SAID NO. *TR
Steering, Dec 5, 2012
SINCE THE FIRST DAY I LEASED THIS VEHICLE I'VE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE STEERING. I WAS TOLD THAT ONLY HAPPENED IN THE 2011 SONATA AND IT HAS BEEN CORRECTED. THE DEALER TELLS ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG! SURELY THERE IS! THE CAR HAS A MIND OF IT'S OWN WHEN DRIVING. IT IS ALL OVER THE ROAD, WHEN I PUT ON THE BRAKE IT GOES OFF TO THE LEFT. I HAD TO REACT FAST IN A SITUATION, AND I TRULY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO FLIP OVER DUE TO THE STEERING. THE 2012 SONATA IS A VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IT COMES TO THE STEERING. *TR
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 16, 2012
DISHONEST MILEAGE CLAIMS: 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA."ADVERTISED: 26/35" - ACTUAL 24/25...NOT EVEN CLOSE. CLASS ACTION SUIT IN CA BUT, INEXPLICABLY, ONLY 'CERTAIN' MODELS. I'VE NOT HEARD ONE SONATA OWNER 'HAPPY' WITH THEIR MILEAGE. ITS FRAUDULENT AND MISLEADING AT BEST. HYUNDAI IS SENDING AN ENGINEER TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE BUT IF THEY'RE ON HYUNDAI PAYROLL WHAT KIND OF RESULT DO YOU THINK I'LL GET? *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 14, 2012
I RECENTLY BOUGHT A HYUNDAI SONATA SE 2.0T ON OCT 26 2012, EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT, I'VE REALIZED THAT THE MPG THAT IT GIVES ME IS 17 NO MATTER IF I'M IN CITY OR HIGHWAY, WHILE MINIMAL ESTIMATES ARE 23 IN THE CITY. I'VE LOOKED ON HYUNDAI FORUMS AND IT SEEMS LIKE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE. CONTACT WITH THE DEALERS HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A PAIN, THEY CONTINUE TO ARGUE WITH ME THAT, THAT IS IMPOSSIBLE AND WON'T EVEN TAKE A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. I'VE BEEN TO TWO SEPARATE DEALERS WITH THE SAME OUTCOME. *TR
Suspension, Structure, Nov 6, 2012
ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASING A NEW 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, I NOTICED A CREAKING NOISE COMING FROM REAR SUSPENSION/SUB-FRAME AREA WHEN THE ENTERING AN INCLINED DRIVEWAY OR NON-UNIFORM ROADWAY. THIS STARTED AT AROUND THE 700-MILE MARK ON MY VEHICLE ODOMETER. THIS ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO HYUNDAI NORTH AMERICA CORPORATE APPROXIMATELY 3-MONTHS AGO, IN AUGUST 2012. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP I VISITED IN MY AREA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE NOISE EXISTS, BUT HAS DISMISSED IT AS "NORMAL BODY CREAK FLEX, SONATAS MAKE THIS NOISE." I PUSHED THE ISSUE TO HYUNDAI NORTH AMERICA CORPORATE AND THEY HAD ORIGINALLY AGREED TO HAVE THE DISTRICT PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER EXAMINE THE VEHICLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. CURRENTLY, HYUNDAI NORTH AMERICA CORPORATE HAS JUST INFORMED ME THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP DOESN'T WANT TO LOOK AT MY VEHICLE ANYMORE AND TO CONSIDER BRINGING MY VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER. ADDITIONALLY, THEY ARE NOW STATING THAT THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF EVER MAKING AN APPOINTMENT WITH DISTRICT PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER. I HAVE BEEN WAITING 3-MONTHS TO MEET THE DISTRICT PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER, AND THE RESPONSE FROM HYUNDAI NORTH AMERICA CORPORATE UP UNTIL NOW IS TO BE PATIENT AND WAIT TO BE CONTACTED WITH AN APPOINTMENT DATE. THE VEHICLE STILL MAKES THIS NOISE WITH NO RESOLUTION. I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE IS METAL TO METAL CONTACT, AND IN THE LONG-TERM FUTURE, CORROSION OR FATIGUE COULD OCCUR WITH THE SUSPECT COMPONENTS. NUMEROUS CASES OF THIS NOISE HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTED ON HYUNDAI INTERNET FORUMS, BUT HYUNDAI NORTH AMERICA HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THERE IS AN ISSUE. *TR
Power train, Nov 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ROLLED AWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF BY THE PUSH TO START BUTTON AND DID NOT REALIZE THAT HE NEVER PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL DOWN A HILL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RE ENTER THE VEHICLE AND MANAGED TO STOP IT WITHOUT CRASHING INTO ANYTHING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000...UPDATED 12/14/12 *BF
Electrical system, Nov 1, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FUSE BOX WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
Engine, Oct 31, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE JERKED ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 850.
Suspension, Air bags, Service brakes, Oct 24, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, A LOUD, ABNORMAL BANG WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN LOST BRAKING AND STEERING ABILITIES AS THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOUD BANG WAS A RESULT OF EITHER A TIRE BLOWING OR A DEFECTIVE STRUT THAT CAUSED THE TIRE BLOW. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Electrical system, Oct 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN ON HIS ALARM WAS NOT LOUD ENOUGH. THE CONTACT WENT TO THE DEALER WHO REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO ALTER THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2012, crash
THE VEHICLE LOOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND ALL THE ELECTRONICS SHUT DOWN. I LOST POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES AND COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS CAN NOT SEE ON THE COMPUTER OR FIGURE OUT. FIRST THE SERVICE TECH SAID IT WAS A FUSE NOT PLUGGED IN ALL THE WAY THEN THEY SAY IT WAS THE BATTERY.. I FEAR FOR MY LIFE IN THIS CAR AND WILL NEVER DRIVE IT AGAIN. IF I WERE IN A CROSS WALK I WOULD HAVE HIT A PEDESTRIAN OR I COULD HAVE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. LUCKILY I WAS NOT ON A HIGH SPEED ROAD OR GOING THROUGH A TOLL BOOTH OR THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS INJURIES. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT THE MANUFACTURER FEELS I SHOULD DRIVE THIS CAR. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS OK BEFORE AND I ENDED UP HAVING AN ACCIDENT. THIS CAR HAS AN ELECTRONIC DEFECT. THEY DO NOT PUT ANY VALUE ON LIVES. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Sep 26, 2012
MY 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA TURBO HAS THE FOLLOWING PERSISTENT ISSUE. WHEN THE VEHICLE SITS OVER NIGHT, IN COOL WEATHER CONDITIONS OF ABOUT 60 DEGREES AND/OR LOWER, UPON FIRST START IN THE MORNING IT WILL NOT REV PAST 4000 RPM (WHILE DRIVING) AND AS A RESULT IT DOESN'T HAVE THE POWER TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY IN A MANNER THAT I WOULD CONSIDER SAFELY. I KNOW OF A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN THAT HYUNDAI HAS RELEASED THAT'S SUPPOSE TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE HOWEVER, I ALSO HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF ABOUT 10 VEHICLES WITH THIS SAME ISSUE, SOME THE ISSUE PERSISTED EVEN AFTER THE DEALER CLAIMED TO HAVE REPAIRED IT. WHAT I CONSIDER THE MAIN SAFETY ISSUE TO BE IS; THERE IS NO INDICATION/ALERT WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD ILLUSTRATING THE ISSUE AFFECTING THE ACCELERATION/PERFORMANCE. MY VEHICLE HAS NORMAL POWER CITY STREETS OR AT ABOUT 30 MPH OR LESS. I DISCOVERED THE ISSUE WHEN TRYING TO MERGE ONTO A HIGHWAY, DUE TO LACK OF ACCELERATION POWER (WHICH MY VEHICLE SHOULD/DID HAVE), I WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED BY A 18 WHEELER AS I WAS TRYING TO GET UP TO HIGHWAY SPEED. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS EVER TURNED ON. MY VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAS ABOUT 13,000 MILES ON IT NOW. I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR ATTENTION ON THIS HAZARDOUS MATTER. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Sep 24, 2012
2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER STATES CONCERN WITH ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM AND THE LACK OF AN ENGINE KILL SWITCH. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD NO WAY OF SHUTTING DOWN THE VEHICLE IF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM ACCELERATED OR IF HE ENCOUNTERED A STUCK GAS PEDAL. THE CONSUMER WANTS TO KNOW, THAT HE HAS A POSITIVE MEANS OF MANUALLY SHUTTING DOWN THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE A CLEAR EXPLANATION OF THE PUSH BUTTON ENGINE STAR/STOP SWITCH. HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS IT A COMPUTER FUNCTION OR A MANUAL ELECTRICAL DISCONNECT TO THE VEHICLES ELECTRONICS. ALSO, IF IT IS A COMPUTER FUNCTION, WILL THE DEALER INSTALL A MANUAL TOGGLE SWITCH UNDER THE DASH THAT WILL KILL ALL ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE HYUNDAI SENT HIM A LETTER, ADVISING HIM TO REFERENCE HIS OWNERS MANUAL. HOWEVER, THE MANUAL DID NOT ADDRESS HIS PRIMARY CONCERN. THE MANUAL ONLY TALKED ABOUT HOW TO OPERATE THE SWITCH. UPDATED 11/13/12
Steering, Sep 22, 2012, crash
WHILE BRAKING HARD TO AVOID A COYOTE, VEHICLE PULLED HARD RIGHT EVEN THOUGH I WAS TRYING TO STEER LEFT. WAS PULLED OFF ROAD TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A DRIVEWAY. CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO UNDER CARRIAGE AND BUMPER. NOTIFIED DEALERSHIP OF THE ISSUE WHILE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP I PURCHASED VEHICLE FROM. AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER 2011, I RECEIVED AN E-MAIL FROM HYUNDAI BLUE LINK THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE ESC (ELECTRONIC STEERING CONTROL). BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS AN ERROR WITH THE BLUE LINK SYSTEM. A MONTH LATER, ANOTHER E-MAIL, TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALERSHIP, THEY PERFORMED DIAGNOSTICS AND A CLOCK WHEEL SENSOR WAS DEAD IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE ESC ADJUSTS PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE CALIPERS IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAINTAIN THE VEHICLE IN THE SAME DIRECTION BEFORE BRAKING. WAS TOLD BY SERVICE MANAGER THAT IF A SENSOR WAS BAD IN THE STEERING COLUMN, IT WOULD AFFECT THE BRAKING AND COULD HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO IMPROPERLY APPLY BRAKING PRESSURE THUS PULLING THE CAR OFF THE ROAD. CONTACTED INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY WERE PURSUING HYUNDAI ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,000. UPDATED 10/11/12*LJ UPDATED 10/17/12
Structure, Sep 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED A BUILD-UP OF A DEWY SUBSTANCE ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEWY RESIDUE WAS CAUSED BY THE SUN HEATING THE DASHBOARD AND VAPORS EMITTING FROM THE DASHBOARD AS A RESULT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 11,400.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 30, 2012
THIS IS A HYBRID VEHICLE. IT CHUGS, HESITATES AND ALMOST STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THE SERVICE PEOPLE TELL ME THAT IT IS NORMAL BUT THIS IS MY 3RD HYBRID AND THIS IS NOT NORMAL. *TR
Engine, Aug 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT WAS THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED THAT WAS THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WHEN GOING FROM ELECTRIC TO GAS. THEY OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500.