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.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2012
VEHICLE CHECK ENGINE LIT AND ALL DASH LIGHTS LIT UPON STARTING THE CAR. IT WOULD NOT LET ME SHIFT IT INTO ANY OTHER GEAR. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER FOR SEVERAL DAYS WITH THEM CONSULTING WITH HYUNDAI. THEY REPLACED SOME CONTROL MODULE TO REPAIR IT. -------------------------- TWO WEEKS LATER, THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED. IDIOT LIGHTS WERE ON AFTER STARTING THE CAR,BUT I COULD NOT SHIFT IT OUT OF PARK. DEALERSHIP SWEARS ITS A DIFFERENT ISSUE AND THEY ARE CONSULTING HYUNDAI YET AGAIN. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIP FOR OVER A WEEK NOW AND THEY CAN'T TELL ME WHEN I'LL GET IT BACK. *TR
Steering, Apr 2, 2012
2012 SONATA LTD 2.0T - STEERING IS DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AT RANDOM TIMES AND AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. HOWEVER, IT IS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CAR PULLS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS BUT MAINLY LEFT. MUST KEEP STEERING WHEEL TURNED SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT MOST OF THE TIME TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR
Steering, Apr 1, 2012
VEHICLE DOES NOT TRACK STRAIGHT. PULLS TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT AT ANY SPEED. PARTICULARLY AFTER MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, EITHER AS A LANE CHANGE OR A PROPER TURN. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER THE SECOND WEEK OF OWNERSHIP AND HAD THEM TEST THE CAR. THEY INFORMED ME THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG, AND MAYBE THE ISSUE WAS TORQUE STEER. I TOLD THEM THAT I KNOW ABOUT TORQUE STEER AND THAT IT WAS NOT THE ISSUE. THEY SAID EVERYTHING LOOKED GOOD AFTER THEIR TECH AND SERVICE MANAGER TOOK IT OUT FOR A TEST DRIVE. I WILL BE GOING IN TOMORROW FOR A SECOND LOOK AT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. *TR
Seat belts, Mar 31, 2012
THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN FEB 2012. WE NOTICED THE REAR SEAT BELTS HAVE FRAYED, THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT HAS BEGUN TO FRAY TROUGH 1/2 INCH OF THE BELT AND THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BELT IS FRAYED THROUGH APX. HALF. BOTH OF THESE TEARS ARE NEAR THE TOP AT THE POINT NEAR THE EXIT FOR THE RETRACTION ASSEMBLY. *JS
Steering, Mar 9, 2012
RECENTLY PURCHASED 2012. THE CAR ONLY HAS 600 MILES ON IT. STEERING IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL. THE CAR RUNS OFF THE ROAD IF YOU DONT PAY ATTENTION. IT IS EXTREMELY HARD TO CONTROL ON THE HIGHWAY. IN ORDER TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE CAR YOU MUST CONSTANTLY STEER THE VEHICLE FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CAR GOES TO THE RIGHT AND THEN WILL IMMEDIATLY GO TO THE LEFT. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 3, 2012
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM IDLE, SUCH AS SITTING AT A STOP SIGN, STOP LIGHT, OR WAITING TO PULL OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE WILL JUST START TO MOVE THE CAR AND THEN DELAY, ALLOWING YOU TO PUSH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITH NO RESPONSE FOR 2-4 SECONDS. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES OF DAY AND WEATHER. THE ONLY COMMON FACTOR IS THAT IT HAPPENS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN AT IDLE FOR A MOMENT, SUCH AS COASTING THROUGH A PARKING LOT OR SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. IT HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY 2-4 DAYS. VERY DANGEROUS AS I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT TWICE NOW PULLING OUT ONTO A HIGHWAY ONLY FOR THE ENGINE TO STALL. THE ENGINE NEVER TURNS OFF, IT JUST DOESN'T RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I SEE ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Mar 1, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD MOVE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT ABNORMALLY WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE STEERING BECAME HARD TO CONTROL AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE OUT OF THE LANE IN WHICH THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT TWICE BUT FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE STEERING CONTINUED TO PULL FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,000. UPDATED 03/21/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT MOVE IF SHE HOLDS IT STRAIGHT. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE DOES GO TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT ON ITS OWN. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER STATED CONSTANT CORRECTIONS ARE NEEDED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN RIGHT DIRECTION. UPDATED 03/23/12
Steering, Feb 22, 2012
ERRATIC STEERING PULLS LFT OR RIGHT MAINLY RIGHT BROUGHT IN 3X STILL NOT FIXED. *TR
Visibility, Feb 6, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS DISTORTED AND THE VIEW WAS NOT CLEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 100. UPDATED 03/05/12*LJ UPDATED
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 30, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL COULD BE DEPRESSED AT LEAST SIX INCHES FURTHER THAN NORMAL WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SIX OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THEY WERE NEVER ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON ONE OCCASION, THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 644.
Steering, Jan 25, 2012
BOUGHT FROM DEALER, NEW CAR, 7MILES ON ODOMETER. CAR DOES NOT STEER OR TRACK STRAIGHT AND PULLS TO THE RIGHT, CAME WITH 16" WHEELS AND TIRE PRESSURE IS TO FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS. CAR DID HAVE 18" WHEELS PRIOR TO SALE BUT DID NOT WANT TO PAY THE EXTRA $1000 FOR THIS OPTION. TOOK CAR TO DEALER TO CORRECT ALIGNMENT ISSUE, THEY CONFIRMED AND INSTALLED A CAMBER KIT TO THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL ASSEMBLY. CAR TRACKING RIGHT CORRECTED; HOWEVER, IT NOW WANDERS LEFT AND RIGHT REQUIRING CONTINUOUS SMALL (1/4 INCH) CORRECTIONS TO STEERING INPUT EVERY 5 -10 SECONDS TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. THIS CAUSES FATIGUE IN DRIVING LONG DISTANCES DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF PRECISION AND CONCENTRATION NEEDED TO CONTINUOUSLY MAKE STEERING CORRECTIONS REQUIRED TO KEEP CAR DRIVING STRAIGHT. *TR
Tires, Jan 20, 2012
COMPLETELY NEW VEHICLE (HYUNDAI SONATA LIMITED 2012) WITH NEW TIRES AS SUPPLIED BY MANUFACTURER HYUNDAI. CAR KEPT SKIDDING ON A VERY LIGHT SNOW (LESS THAN HALF INCH OF SNOW), AND TIRES WOULD HOLD NO TRACTION. HAPPENED REPEATEDLY WHENEVER THERE WAS EVEN A LIGHT SNOW. WILL NOT GO UP A GENTLE SLOPE WITH SNOW. HAS TIRES HANKOOK OPTIMO H-431. *TT
Vehicle speed control, Jan 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, HIS FOOT WOULD SWELL, CAUSING HIM TO PAY LESS ATTENTION TO THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT ONLY EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING HIS VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 6, 2012
CAR LOST ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL FUNCTIONS. THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE DRIVERS FRONT WHEEL SENSOR WIRE RUBBING AGAINST A SHARP SHEET METAL EDGE. SEE PHOTOS. *TR
Steering, Dec 14, 2011, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY TURNED LEFT AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING, LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A LIGHT POLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED BUT THE TEST DID NOT GENERATE A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 700.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 8, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING, FOLLOWED BY AN ABNORMAL GRINDING. THE DEALER MADE THREE ATTEMPTS TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 600 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Steering, Nov 22, 2011
AS SOON AS I STARTED DRIVING MY NEW 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, I NOTICED THAT IT WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE FIRST TIME I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER, THEY CROSS ROTATED AND BALANCED THE TIRES, AND ADJUSTED THE TIRE PRESSURE. I WAS TOLD THE TECHNICIAN RETESTED VEHICLE OPERATION, THAT THE TRACKING WAS OKAY, AND NO FURTHER ACTION WAS REQUIRED. THE MINUTE I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER, THE CAR WAS STILL DRIFTING TO THE RIGHT, EXACTLY AS IT HAD BEEN WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN. WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK THE SECOND TIME, THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT THEY PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT INSPECTION AND FOUND CAMBER SETTINGS OUT OF ADJUSTMENT. TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE, THEY INSTALLED CAMBER BOLT KITS TO GET SETTINGS INTO SPECS. WHEN I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP THIS TIME, I NOTICED THAT THE PULL SEEMED LESS HARD, AND THE DRIFT TOOK LONGER, BUT IT ULTIMATELY DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT AGAIN. I WENT BACK AND SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER WHO SAID THAT IT IS POSSIBLE THAT ROAD CROWING IS NOW CAUSING THE DRIFT, AND THAT I SHOULD CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR TO EVALUATE. IF I STILL FEEL THERE IS A PROBLEM, THEY WILL HAVE THE TECHNICIAN TEST DRIVE THE CAR WITH ME PRESENT. *TR
Visibility, Oct 26, 2011
DISCOVERED ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. IT HAS VISIBILITY PROBLEMS. DASHBOARD IS REFLECTED ON TO THE WINDSHEILD WHEN SUN IS ON YOUR LEFT (IT HAPPENED TO ME WHEN I WAS DRIVING SOUTH AROUND 8.30AM). THIS IMPAIRS THE VISIBILITY OF THE DRIVER AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. *TT
Suspension, Wheels, Oct 22, 2011
1) THE VEHICLE IS PURCHASED ON 10/15/2012 AT MILEAGE 45. AFTER DRIVING 10 MILES FELT VOMITING SENSATION AND HEAD ACHE DUE TO VEHICLE CONSTANT VIBRATION. MY WIFE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT ALSO FELT THE SAME. I HAVE MY FRIENDS DRIVE THE CAR AND THEY FELT THE SAME. 2) REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THE DEALER THROUGH TEXT MESSAGE ON 10/16/2012 (SUNDAY) VIA TEXT MESSAGE AS THE DEALER SHIP CLOSED ON SUNDAY 3) TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 10/17/2012 MORNING TO CHECK UP. ON FIRST ATTEMPT DEALER SAYS THERE IS WHEEL BALANCING PROBLEM, SO PERFORMED WHEEL BALANCING AND TIRE ROTATION AND RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO ME SAYING IT FIXES IT 4) WITH IN 10 MILES OF DRIVING , FOUND SAME ISSUE (HEAD ACHE AND VOMITING SENSATION) DUE TO VIBRATION . 5) TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 10/21/2012, ON SECOND ATTEMPT, DEALER SAYS HE NEEDS TO REPLACE AXLE. 6) HOW CAN A BRAND NEW VEHICLE IS NOT INSPECTED FOR AXLE PROBLEM AND SOLD TO CUSTOMER? ALSO HOW CAN DEALER SHIP FAILED TO FIND THE AXLE PROBLEM ON FIRST ATTEMPT? *TR
Steering, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Oct 22, 2011
THREE PROBLEMS CROPPED UP IMMEDIATELY OR SHORTLY AFTER INITIAL OWNERSHIP. THE CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT, AND THE STEERING WHEEL MUST BE TURNED TO THE LEFT OF CENTER TO COMPENSATE WHEN DRIVING ON A FLAT SURFACE. SECOND, THE SUNROOF AREA DEVELOPED A LOUD CREAKING SOUND WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVEN THROUGH A TURN OR OVER UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THIRD, AND MOST ALARMINGLY, THE CRUISE CONTROL INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO DISENGAGE WHEN THE CANCEL BUTTON IS PRESSED. IT ALSO INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO ENGAGE WHEN THE SET BUTTON IS PRESSED. IF THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS FAILED TO DISENGAGE, TAPPING THE BRAKE OR PRESSING THE MAIN ON/OFF BUTTON WILL CAUSE IT TO DISENGAGE. HOWEVER, THE CONFUSION THAT COMES FROM THE CANCEL BUTTON FAILURE MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALER CANNOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM DURING A SHORT TEST DRIVE AND REFUSES TO REPLACE OR TEST THE ELECTRONIC MODULES. *TR
Steering, Oct 12, 2011
I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH MY HYUNDAI SONATA GLS FROM DAY 1 (PURCHASE DATE 8/31/11) WITH REGARDS TO THE STEERING ALIGNMENT. THE CAR WILL EITHER DRIFT OR PULL TO THE RIGHT. I RETURNED IT FOR SERVICE 3 DAYS AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR AND THEY "FIXED THE ALIGNMENT". I RETURNED THE CAR ON 10/10/11 WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY TOLD ME THAT HYUNDAI RECENTLY ISSUED A RECALL JUST A "COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO" WHICH I CANNOT FIND AND THAT HYUNDAI HAS FOUND A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. THEY CHECKED THE ALIGNMENT AND SAID IT WAS "SPOT ON" AND THEY DID SOMETHING TO THE TIRES. ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE CENTER THIS WILL FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CAR STILL DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT. *KB
Steering, Suspension, Sep 25, 2011
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I NOTICED A SLIGHT DRIFT, CAR SEEMS TO BE TEETERING ON CENTER AND REQUIRE LOTS OF CORRECTIONS TO GO STRAIGHT. FEELS OK AT LOWER SPEEDS. *TR
Visibility, Sep 21, 2011
SEPT 11, 2011 VISIBILITY PROBLEM, DEFECTIVE GLASS IN HYUNDAI SONATA 2012 REPORTED DEFECT IN WINDSHIELD AND REAR WINDOW TO DEALER DAY AFTER PURCHASED. THE WINDSHIELD HAS DISTORTION, RIPPLES IN THE GLASS WHEN DRIVER LOOKS OVER THROUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE OF WINDSHIELD OR WHEN THE PASSENGER LOOKS AT THE ROAD AHEAD. THE DEFECT IN THE REAR WINDOW GLASS APPEARS TO HAVE WIGGLY/DISTORTED IMAGE WHEN LOOKING THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THIS VISUAL DISTORTION DEFECT IN THE GLASS CAUSES A DRIVER TO HAVE DISTRACTED VISIBILITY AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE. HYUNDAI IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. NO INDICATION HOW SOON THIS PROBLEM WOULD BE RESOLVED. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 19, 2011
HAVE BEEN IN DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES FOR REPAIR ALL 3 TIMES CAR HAS BEEN OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE CAR HAS A SHARP PULL TO THE RIGHT THAT CAN CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF YOU DO NOT PAY ATTENTION. I WAS BY HYUNDAI DEALERSHIP THAT THEY WILL NOT WORK ON IT AND THAT THEY SAY IT IS IN COMPANY SPECS. THEY TOLD ME NOT TO TAKE MY HANDS OFF THE WHEEL WHEN I AM DRIVING. *KB
Steering, Suspension, Sep 19, 2011
VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT ALL THE TIME. DEALER INDICATES ALIGNMENT IS OK PER THEIR ALIGNMENT CALIBRATION MACHINE BUT THE MECHANIC ACKNOWLEDGES IT IS STILL PULLING TO THE RIGHT. *KB THE FRUSTRATING PART OF ALL OF THIS IS THAT THE 2011 SONATA WE TEST DROVE ALSO HAD THE PULLING TO THE RIGHT ISSUE AND THE SALESMAN JUST TOLD US IT NEEDED AN ALIGNMENT.