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 29, 2012
DRIVING ON HWY I-385 - LOOKING OUT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD I THOUGHT I SAW A DOG RUN INTO THE PATH OF MY CAR. IT WAS NOT A DOG. IT WAS A DISTORTION IN MY WINDSHIELD THAT CREATED WAVY LINES OF THE GUARDRAILS THAT I WAS DRIVING BY. I TOOK MY CAR TO GREER HYUNDAI, SC, TO SEE WHAT COULD BE DONE WITH THE WINDSHIELD. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAW THE DISTORTION IN MY WINDSHIELD AND THEN WENT TO CHECK SOME OTHER 2012 SONATA'S. HE SAID THAT THE SAME DISTORTION WAS IN THOSE ALSO AND THAT NO ONE ELSE HAD COMPLAINED. HE SAID THAT HE COULD ORDER A WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT BUT THAT IT WOULD UNDOUBTLY BE THE SAME AS WHAT I ALREADY HAD. HE GAVE ME THE HYUNDAI CUSTOMER SERVICE PHONE NUMBER. I CALLED THEM AND WAS ASSIGNED THE CASE #4861688. AND WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR TO ANOTHER CAR DEALER TO SEE WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY. I TOOK THE CARE TO GREENVILLE HYUNDAI, SD, AND THAT SALES MANAGER ALSO SAW THE DISTORTION BUT SAID THAT IT WAS IN ALL THE 2011 AND 2012 SONATA'S. I WAS TOLD TO CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE. JUST FOR GOOD MEASURE I THEN TOOK THE CAR TO CAPITOL HYUNDAI IN COLUMBIA, SC. THAT SERVICE MANAGER ALSO SAW THE DISTORTION BUT GAVE ME THE SAME ADVICE - TO CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE. SO I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE 800-633-5151. THAT PERSON TOLD ME THAT THE CASE HAD BEEN CLOSED WHEN I WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR TO ANOTHER HYUNDAI DEALER AND SEE WHAT THEY SAID. SHE THEN GAVE ME THE EMAIL ADDRESS TO MAKE THIS COMPLAINT. SHE SAID THAT IF ENOUGH PEOPLE COMPLAINED THEN YOU WOULD ISSUE A RECALL TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD. THE DISTORTION THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD IS ONLY SEEN FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT - SO ONLY AT AN ANGLE. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD. PLEASE HELP ME SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 14, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WOULD CONTINUOUSLY BECOME FOGGY FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SIX TIMES AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RESIDUE WAS CAUSED BY THE OUT-GASSING FROM THE MATERIALS IN THE VEHICLE, SUCH AS THE SOLVENT FROM THE PLASTIC WHEN THE VEHICLE BECAME HOT. THE DEALER TRIED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM BUT THE SMELLS AND VAPORS WOULD NOT DIMINISH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CLAIM WAS FILED ON THE CONTACT'S BEHALF. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 13, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE LOOKED THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR OR DIRECTLY AT IT, THE REAR WINDOW LOOKED DISTORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT IT WAS UNUSUAL; HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 290.
Structure, Aug 10, 2012
BUMPER (REAR) FELL OFF HYUNDAI SONATA 2012 MY DAUGHTER WAS REVERSING IN MY FRONT YARD, WHEN THE REAR BUMPER FELL OFF THE CAR. SHE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING OR ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE WAS NOT HIT EITHER. IT JUST FELL OFF! THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT BELIEVE US. THERE ARE OTHER STORIES OF THIS ON THE INTERNET. PLEASE DO SOMETHING, THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY WITH DEADLY RESULTS. WE CONTACTED HYUNDAI CONSUMER SERVICES, THEY WOULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, OR ACKNOWLEDGE AN AWARENESS OF THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP. THIS IS A PRODUCT DEFECT. I AM WORRIED BY HYUNDAI'S CASUAL LACK OF CONCERN ABOUT THIS ISSUE. PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFORE THIS CAUSES ANY FATALITY. SINCERELY, A WORRIED MOM. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Aug 9, 2012
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HILL THAT WAS NOT VERY STEEP, IN GOOD WEATHER, WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON AT 60 MPH. AS THE CAR WENT DOWN THE HILL, THE SPEED INCREASED TO 80,AT WHICH POINT IN TIME I USED MY BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN. THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WITH ME ALONE AND WITH OTHERS IN THE CAR, INCLUDING A STAFF MEMBER OF THE DEALERSHIP, WHO TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS NORMAL BEHAVIOR FOR A HYUNDAI SONATA AND FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL ON HIS OWN VEHICLE. IF I CANCEL CRUISE CONTROL IN THE MIDDLE OF A HILL, SPEED DECREASES OR HOLDS STEADY --IT DOES NOT ACCELERATE. *TR
Visibility, Aug 8, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS DISTORTED AND OBSCURED HIS VISIBILITY OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS AGAIN REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5. UPDATED 9/17/19/12 *CN UPDATED 09/20/2012 *JS
Suspension, Tires, Aug 4, 2012
MY CAR IS ONE YEAR OLD. I HAD PERFORM RECALL CAMPAIGN 928 ON 7/23/22 AND TODAY THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT MY TWO FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING OUT. HOW AM I GOING TO CLAIM FOR THE DAMAGE AND GET FIX WITH THE ALIGNMENTS? *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jul 22, 2012
2012 SONATA WILL NOT DRIVE STRAIGHT, IT PULLS TO THE LEFT MOSTLY BUT ALSO TO THE RIGHT. BASICALLY THE CAR SWERVES ALL OVER THE ROAD, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME ALL FOREIGN CARS DRIVE LIKE THIS. THEY ADJUSTED THE TIRE PRESSURE BUT THAT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR. HYUNDAI ISSUED A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO FIX THE 2011 SONATAS FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM, WHY CAN'T THEY JUST DO THE SAME FOR THE 2012S? *TR
Electrical system, Jul 20, 2012
AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR ONE MONTH (980 MILES), MY CAR LOST POWER STEERING, AIR, AND ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING. A WARNING CAME ON THAT SAID, "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM." IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO SAID THAT THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. I REFUSED TO TAKE THE CAR BACK UNTIL A DISTRICT PARTS AND SERVICES MANAGER CAN LOOK AT IT. I CALLED THE HYUNDAI CORPORATION WHO DIDN'T SEEM TOO CONCERNED. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS PROBLEM THAT HYUNDAI IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING. *TR
Tires, Jul 16, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK P225/45/VR18 TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE TIRE WAS RE UPDATED 08/28/12*LJ TWO MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT DUE TO A BUBBLE ON THE SIDEWALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THE TIRE WAS AGAIN REPLACED. THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY STOPPED WORKING WITH THAT TIRE MANUFACTURER DUE TO EXCESSIVE TIRE COMPLAINTS. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. UPDATED 08/15/12 THE CONSUMER STATED ONLY THE FRONT TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER, HYUNDAI MOTOR AND HANKOOK ALL REFUSED TO REPLACE THE SECOND TIRE. UPDATED 08/29/12
Tires, Jul 14, 2012
THE SIDES OF THE TIRE IN QUESTION SEEM VERY PRONE TO SIDEWALL FAILURE. THIS TIRE HAS A LIP ON IT THAT EXTENDS ABOVE THE WHEEL'S RIM (AS OPPOSED TO THE SMOOTH, ROUNDED SURFACE OF OTHER TIRES). UPON DRIVING UP ON A CURB WHILE PARKING THE CAR AT WORK, A ONE INCH FLAP OF RUBBER 1/4" DEEP WAS RIPPED FROM OUR RIGHT REAR TIRE. THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE SHOWS TWO SPOTS WHERE A PART OF THE TIRE'S LIP WAS RIPPED OFF (WHERE IT IS FLUSH WITH THE TIRE) FROM OTHER BRUSHES AGAINST THE CURB. MOST ALARMING IS THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WHICH HAS A 1/2" CRACK OR INCISION IN THE TIRE -- AND THIS IS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO THE RIM AND SHOWS NO SIGN OF HITTING A CURB. IT'S HARD TO TELL HOW DEEP THE INCISION IS BUT IT IS AT LEAST 1/8" DEEP. THE NEW 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA EQUIPPED WITH THESE TIRES WAS PURCHASED IN NOV. 2011. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS A LITTLE MORE THAN 5,000 MILES ON IT. IN THE COMBINED 80 YEARS WE HAVE BEEN DRIVING, WE HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED SIDEWALL FAILURE FROM DRIVING ONTO A CURB OR JUST FINDING A CRACK IN THE TIRE. I DO WANT TO POINT OUT THAT HANKOOK, THE MANUFACTURER, HAS HAD A RECALL FOR ITS HANKOOK / DYNAPRO AS / P265/70R17S RH03 (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10T021000). THE CAUSE WAS SIDEWALL FAILURE. WE REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE GASH IN IT. WE DO HAVE PHOTOS OF THE TIRES IN QUESTION AND CAN SEND PDFS TO YOU IF SO DESIRED. WE ALSO KEPT THE TIRE WITH THE GASH IN CASE WE NEEDED IT FOR SOME REASON IN PURSUING THIS (ADDITIONAL PHOTOS, INSEPCTION, ETC.). IT IS HARD TO DETERMINE THE DATE OF WHEN THE DAMAGE WAS DONE SO I'VE LISTED THE DATE THAT THE TIRE WITH THE RIP WAS FIRST NOTICED. THE TIRE WITH THE INCISION OR CRACK IN IT WAS NOTICED TODAY (7-14-12) WHILE GETTING THE OTHER TIRE REPLACED. THE COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE TIRE SIZE IS 225/45R18-95V. *TR
Steering, Jul 10, 2012
ABOVE 55 MPH THE STEERING IS EXTREMELY HARD. SMALL MOVEMENTS OF THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSE LARGE LATERAL MOVEMENTS OF THE VEHICLE REQUIRING OVER STEER TO CORRECT. AT 55 MPH AND GREATER , THE FEEL IS LIKE MANUAL STEERING CAUSING ARM AND WRIST FATIGUE. *TR
Air bags, Jul 9, 2012
VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN PARKING LOT WHEN WE CAME OUT THE DRIVER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG (FRONT AND BACK) HAD DEPLOYED....INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE IN PARKING LOT AND THERE WAS NONE FOUND IN OTHER WORDS NOBODY HIT VEHICLE....TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER IN COLUMBIA MISSOURI, JOE MACHENS HYUNDAI, AND THEY INDICATED THEY HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS AND WERE CONTACTING HYUNDAI USA FOR INFORMATION...THEY RAN COMPUTER CODES ON VEHICLE EVERYTHING WAS FINE...ALSO CHECKED FOR DAMAGE TO VEHICLE AND NONE FOUND...MAJOR CONCERN IS THAT IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS PROBLEM...COULD THIS BE A MAJOR A PROBLEM WITH 2012 SONATAS?? *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jun 18, 2012
- MAIN SYMPTOM. : UNSTABLE DRIVING CONDITION. 1. STEERING WON'T BE PERFECTELY CENTERED AFTER MAKING TURN ( BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT) AS MUCH AS 1/2 INCHES AT ANY SPEED. 2. EASELY WANDERED EVEN AFTER MANUALLY CENTERED. IT HAS A DRIVER MAKE ADJUSTMENTS CONSTANTLY. SIMPLY, MY CAR DOESN'T GO STRAIGHT. IN ORDER TO KEEP TRACK, I NEED TO KEEP MAKING STEERING ADJUSTMENTS AT ANY SPEED. I FEEL LIKE UNSTABLE, WANDERING ON HIGHWAY. I VISITED DEALER, ISSUED CASE TO HYUNDAI CUSTOMER CENTER. BUT DEALER SAID THERE IS NO SOLUTION (THEY DID THEIR BEST) , CUSTOMER CTR. SAID THERE IS NO SAFETY ISSUE.(NOT SURE BUT SEEMS LIKE THEY NOTICED) SINCE MY 20 MORE YRS DRIVING. THIS IS THE MOST RIDICULOUS EXPERIENCE. WHATEVER THEY SAID, THIS IS DEFINITELY SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE CHECK IT OUT. *TR
Steering, Wheels, Jun 10, 2012
AFTER PURCHASING THE CAR NEW IN SEPT OF 2011, WE RECEIVED NOTICE FROM HYUNDAI ADVISING OF RECALL DUE TO PULLING WHILING DRIVING. WE CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES AND WERE ADVISED THEY WERE WAITING ON THE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ON HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS CONTINUED SINCE NOVEMBER OF 2011. THE DRIVING CONDITION OF THE CAR HAS CONTINUED TO DECLINE AND HAS EVEN CAUSED THE FRONT TWO TIRES EXCESSIVE WEAR. THE FRONT TIRES ALREADY NEED REPLACEMENT. THE CAR DRIFTS OFF TO THE RIGHT SEVERELY WHEN YOU RELEASE THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING FATIGUING OF THE ARMS DUE TO CONTINUED CORRECTION OF THE STEERING. *TR
Steering, May 28, 2012
THE VEHICLE WANDERS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT IS NOT SUITABLE FOR HIGHWAY DRIVING AS IT IS VERY FATIGUING TO DRIVE ANY DISTANCE ON THE HIGHWAY. I AM CONSTANTLY FIGHTING WITH THE STEERING TO STAY IN MY LANE. MOST OF MY DRIVING IS ON THE HIGHWAY AND THIS PROBLEM IS VERY MUCH A SAFETY CONCERN. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 18, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, HE APPLIED SLIGHT PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE WALL OF A GARAGE AS A RESULT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN AT THE MOMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,500. UPDATED 07/13/12 *BF
Visibility, May 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE REARVIEW MIRROR COULD NOT BE POSITIONED TO WHERE THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO SEE VEHICLES COMING FROM THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED MOVING THE MIRROR IN EVERY POSITION AVAILABLE WITHOUT SUCCESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO COMPLETELY TURN AROUND AND LOOK OVER HIS SHOULDER IN ORDER TO SEE APPROACHING VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Structure, May 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED DIMMER THAN NORMAL AND MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE PERFORMING UP TO STANDARD AND THEY COULD NOT ALTER THE DESIGN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,788 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000. UPDATED 06/06/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE LOW BEAMS DID NOT PROJECT ADEQUATELY WHEN DRIVING UP AND DOWN HILLS AND DRIVING AROUND CURVES. THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT PROJECTION DECREASED UP TO 50% AND SOMETIMES MORE THAN 50% DEPENDING ON THE SIZE OF THE HILL OR CURVE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE SHIFTED IN A ROUGH MANNER AND A FENDER LINING WAS REPLACED.
Steering, Apr 21, 2012
PURCHASED MAR 15 2012 AND 1ST HIGHWAY DRIVING WAS MAR 22, 2012. AT APPROX 50 MPH AND GREATER VEHICLE WANDERS ENOUGH FROM LEFT TO RIGHT TO REQUIRE CONSTANT CORRECTION TO KEEP IT FROM GOING OVER CENTER LINE OR OFF SIDE OF ROAD. IF I ADJUST STEERING TO LEFT VEHICLE CONTINUES TO LEFT REQUIRING AN IMMEDIATE ADJUSTMENT TO RIGHT WHICH CAUSES VEHICLE TO CONTINUE TO RIGHT, ETC, ETC, ETC. NO ACCIDENT SO FAR. HOWEVER, HAVE GONE OVER CENTER LINE AND OFF SIDE OF ROAD PERIODICALLY. BOTTOM LINE ... MY WIFE AND I ARE CONCERNED ABOUT OUR SAFETY DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. WILL EMAIL INFO TO DEALER.. *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 20, 2012
REPAIR ATTEMPTS 5; FIRST ATTEMPT AT DATE OF INCIDENT. DRIVING ON LEVEL THREE LANE DIVIDED HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPS ACCELERATING AND EXHIBITS A NO POWER CONDITION WHERE ONLY ELECTRICAL IS WORKING. I APPLY ACCELERATION UP PAST 5000 RPM AND NO RESPONSE. PAST 6000 RPM AND VEHICLE SUDDENLY KICKS IN AND OUT OF COMPLETE SHOCK I'M FORCED TO PULL OVER IN NEARBY PLAZA TO CONTACT NEAREST DEALER (IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA @ THIS TIME, ORIGINAL DEALER IN LAS VEGAS CENTENNIAL HYUNDAI). ALLEN HYUNDAI SERVICE TECHNICIAN AGREES TO KEEP IT OVERNIGHT TO DUPLICATE ISSUE. HE PUTS IN WRITING NEXT DAY "THREE NO POWER CONDITIONS." AFTER BLAMING IT ON THE TURBO AND ADJUSTING ELECTRICAL SENSORS, I CONTINUED EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEM, DIFFERENT PLACES. ORIGINAL DEALER FOR SOME REASON FAILS TO DUPLICATE AND LEAVES ME HOPELESS. NO OFFER TO TRADE CAR OR TAKE IT BACK. NOW STUCK IN PURGATORY BETWEEN CORPORATE AND A MALFUNCTIONING VEHICLE. 2012 NEW OFF THE LOT SE WITH 2.0 T. *JS
Steering, Suspension, Apr 19, 2012
2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE DRIFTING WHILE DRIVING *TGW
Steering, Apr 19, 2012
PURCHASED 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA IN DECEMBER OF 2011. STEERING FEEL IS EXTREMELY LIGHT/LOOSE, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CAR WANTS TO WANDER FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND CONSTANT INCREMENTAL STEERING ADJUSTMENTS ARE NEEDED BY THE DRIVER TO KEEP THE VEHICLE TRACKING STRAIGHT. CREATES A DANGER IF OVER-STEER IS APPLIED BY DRIVER DURING AN ADJUSTMENT IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP CAR STRAIGHT. HAVE HEARD THAT MANY OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *JS
Steering, Apr 12, 2012
VEHICLE DOES NOT TRACK STRAIGHT, PULLS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. PURCHASED CAR 9/10/12. EARLIEST APPOINTMENT TO RETURNED TO DEALER 9/22/11. TECH. RESET TIRE PRESSURE. HE DROVE VEHICLE AND VERIFIED COMPLAINT. TRACK BALANCE -TRACKED FOR 17 SECONDS. CONTACTED DEALER AGAIN BUT HAD TO LEAVE FOR FLORIDA. WENT TO ORLANDO DEALER JAN.3, 2012. THEY INDICATED NJ DEALER REPLACED BOTH TIE RODS, PERFORMED ALIGNMENT, RECALIBRATED STEERING, CHECKED TIRE PRESSURE. NO CHANGE IN PERFORMANCE. CONSTANT CORRECTIONS ARE NEEDED TO KEEP VEHICLE IN PROPER DIRECTION. DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AT ANY SPEED. CONTACTED NJ DEALER[XXX]) NUMEROUS TIMES TO RESTATE THAT THIS CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. RETURNING TO THE DEALER APRIL,2012 TO REQUEST REPLACEMENT. THIS CAR NOT SAFE TO DRIVE! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*TR
Steering, Apr 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO UNINTENDEDLY WANDER INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TWICE FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE FOUR TIRES WERE ROTATED AND A WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.