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.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 1, 2023
i’ve been having issues with the brake lights being sometimey sometime it works and sometimes not, and almost been in accidents once too many times. i’ve also notice a lot of hyundais especially sonatas that’s on the road have the same issue. i’m at a loss in what to do with having to change light bulbs every month it acts up with both break lights. horn doesn’t work. it stopped months ago and fused changes and still no horn work. the other day while driving it brought someone was blowing at me so i turned down the radio and heard my very own horn blow on it’s own several times it does this off n on even at the light or while driving. i don’t have money to fix all these issues with this car. hopefully we can get a recall and get this fixed!
Air bags, Jul 25, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of 18V137000 (Seat Belt, Air Bags) on October 2019. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and had the recall remedy completed. The contact stated while his wife was driving 35 mph, another vehicle intercepted her lane and crashed into the front driver-side tire. No air bags deployed. The driver sustained injuries on her left leg and her neck but did not seek any medical attention at the moment of the crash. The contact stated the following day, she called her primary doctor and was receiving physical therapy for her injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a collision shop. A dealer was not contacted nor made aware of the failure. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Exterior lighting, Jul 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that after turning the vehicle off, the rear brake lights remained illuminated. The contact had to disconnect the battery to turn off the lights. The contact stated that eventually the brake lights became inoperable. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V759000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Engine, Jul 23, 2023, fire
The car engine has seized while I was driving. Engine started smoking up and car won’t start
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 20, 2023
Approximately a month ago I notice that my passenger side low beam head light was not working on my 2012 Hyundai Sonata so I purchased a replacement H7 halogen bulb thinking it was simply a burned out bulb. I replace the bulb with the new bulb only to find the low beam was still not working. I tried the new bulb in the drivers side to rule out a bad new bulb. The bulb worked fine in the drivers side. I also inspected the connector found no obvious problem. So far I have not been able to get the passenger side working so I did some on line research and found that this is not an uncommon problem on Hyundai vehicles and particularly with the Sonata. It appears that this is a wiring or computer issue not easily resolved. I believe this is a significant safety issue that Hyundai should repair at no cost.
Exterior lighting, Jul 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that the brake lights remained illuminated without the brake pedal being depressed. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that an appointment could be scheduled in August. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V759000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the brake light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Engine, Jul 19, 2023
The car completely shut off in the middle of the road. It coasted to a nearby gas station and would not crank back up. There was NO oil in the vehicle, but no leaks and is up to date on oil changes and servicing. After putting oil in the engine, the car was able to crank and we attempted to drive it home. It stalled in the middle of the road and completely shut off and would not drive. It had to pushed out of the middle of the road, stopping traffic and risking our safety. Two mechanics saw us and stopped by to take a look. Upon inspection of the oil/engine they noted metal shavings (gritty) oil and the engine sounded like a propellor when we tried cranking it. It is available for inspection, however it is currently sitting on the side of the road in someone's yard. This problem has been noted on a recall with Hyundai Sonata vehicles, (metal shavings inside the block, debris circulates through the block and ends up stuck in the oil galleries, which is exactly what appears to have happened) It has not been inspected yet, I'm trying to see where I can get it towed. There were no warning lamps whatsoever before it shut off. Now, the engine light is on. and the oil light came on after it shut down the first time, but went off upon putting oil in it.
Engine, Jul 19, 2023
I went to get my car fixed at a local garage but the employee came back with a recall information form printed out and said my engine and oil consumption problem was under a recall and would not charge me for the work. Hyundai dealership in Brockton. Ma refused to fix the issues & made my car further damaged and gave me a 1 week rental. I’ve had this car for a little over 1 year. Now today my car lit up lights on the dash while I was driving, locked up and won’t start. I’m currently on the side of the road.
Air bags, Jul 13, 2023
Cracked Dash Board The Dash Board has two cracks that run from Windshield to Passenger area. Located right where the SRS label is and the airbag is located and second crack is about 5 to 6" to the left. Dealer states that the Airbag will not deploy correctly if needed. I have read a lot on line about this issue, . In cases that Hyundai would correct the issue but in my case they will not. I have spoken with someone that had same issue and the Dashboard was replaced by Hyundai because of my very concerns. I am looking to see how this can get replaced without me having to pay $4000 to get it repaired. This car has been maintained and kept in very good condition.
Engine, Jul 12, 2023
Engine completely stopped working while driving down the road. Brought to mechanic and told seized engine.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Jul 3, 2023
Came Home Saw that the break lights were on in my Sonata. Tapped the brake pedal, they went off. Came home the next day same thing. I found a re call (google) for stuck brake lights. 2011 - 2012 Sonatas. I purchased the car used, and was informed that everything is working and in order. I'm just curios if there were any other reports concerning this matter?
Engine, Jun 27, 2023
I purchased a 2012 Hyundai sonata from Dulles auto in Leesburg VA at the end of Feb. 2023 on June third my husband and I were driving on 395 at 74 miles and hours and lost all power to our car. We were in the middle of the highway around 2:00 pm and we manage to get over to the side with out getting hit as the engine was smoking !!!. We then called a tow truck which took 2 hours because there was another accident behind us that could not move and tow truck was stuck in that. We were in the wedding and missed the ceremony which is devastating. We had the car towed to dealer and they looked at the car and said engine seized and needs to be towed to a Safford brown Hyundai in Leesburg. We did just that. We asked for a loaner car from dealer that we bought car from and from Hyundai and both said they didn't have any loaner. They both told me i can rent a car but no guarantee if i will get reimbursed. I have three drivers in my house and a car i had for 3months and 1 week before it broke down. I still have no car no loaner and no help. Hyundai in Leesburg did everything that Hyundai corp asked and took pictures i showed proof that the dealer did oil change 12-22 before i bought end of Feb. 2023. They then asked for engine cover be removed and then it was diagnosed as sludge on the engine and that is why it has seized and can not be repaired. It would cost $9000 to fix and I bought it for 12,000.00 for my 17 year old. No one will take responsibility or help so we are asked what we can do and what rights we have. During the 3months that we had the car it ran great and no lights ever came on or any warnings that why it was such a shock when this happened. I have lost work time for all the hours i have to put in for this and get no calls back or help. Please contact me at [XXX]/ I can get picture and notes from Hyundai if needed. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Engine, Jun 21, 2023
Made a left turn on a busy intersection when all of a sudden the knocks from the engine got loud and and an alarm came up stating to pull over and to stop my car. I had it towed to the dealership where they state that it’s a connecting rod issue that has an extended warranty on it. They recommended that I have the entire engine replaced. I filed a claim with their claims department where they denied it because I was apparently out of warranty with it. I am not because their extended warranty covers up to 150,000 miles and I’m at 104575 miles.
Power train, Engine, Jun 20, 2023
My car is burning oil very fast it has a engine campaign running but Hyundai refuses to fix it .. it cuts while driving it at high speeds
Engine, Jun 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he was informed that there was a failure with the engine. The contact called a second independent mechanic who informed him that there were recalls on the vehicle related to the knock sensor. The dealer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that the manufacturer had denied the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and denied the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 213,443.
Engine, May 22, 2023
The vehicle has cut off while driving. My check engine light started flashing and the code P1326 was detected when diagnosed. Engine is making a tapping noise.
Engine, May 19, 2023
I bought this car from someone recently and was unaware of the engine recall, I did checking and found that there's a recall on the engine, it's knocking, can't be driven, it has 128,000 miles on odometer, does the recall expire because I read that they never expire, I love the car and would really like to have it repaired.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Service brakes, May 17, 2023
My vehicle is experiencing several recall issues. The seat belt in driver seat randomly pops unlocked which is very dangerous while driving, the headlights and brakes lights go out once a month due to some electrical issues with the vehicle, the tire bearing clocks when the vehicle is turning
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, May 11, 2023
I was driving on a busy street when all of a sudden. My car reduce speed hesitated There was a pull over Safely and don't drive this vehicle warning Message Every light on the dash came on and shut off in the middle of a busy street. THANK GOD I DIDNT GET HIT Didn't get the chance to pull over the car just shut off. The whole car died I had to have it towed way I tried changing 12 V battery to a brand new one still didn't work. I've had it towed to hyundai dealer. What is wrong with this car? Still don't kno this happened in september of 2022 took it 2 different Hyundai dealerships. As I've been researching this is happening to a lot of people. With the same make a model car. I talk to corporate. They can't help me with anything because it's over a 150000 miles. You would think that they would help with some of the cause being the fact that is happening to all of the hybrid cars
Engine, May 7, 2023
On 04/25/2023 while driving to work my car all of a sudden started flashing “check engine light”. The flashing was continuous and my car lost almost all power and would not go above 2 rpm. It was terrifying. I immediately notified Hyundai and had my car towed to dealership. Now Hyundai is telling me I can’t get rental reimbursement until they approve and engine replacement, which can take up 2 months.
Seat belts, Visibility/wiper, May 1, 2023
Seatbelt stopped locking on drivers side, not able to use and wipers now only work on high.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 26, 2023
After intermittent starting and car dying for no reason, the engine completely died while driving on highway. I filed a claim with Hyundai as part of Theta Engine settlement. I had the engine replaced at my expense, they will not cover. It is now burning oil at an alarming rate. This is dangerous and has happened to many many HYUNDAI/KIA owners as part of this engine problem.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 23, 2023
When decelerating, the vehicle will have a hard down shift or it feels like it accelerates with your foot on the brake after a hard downshift. Once you have come to a complete stop and you accelerate into traffic, it bogs down and does not move forward. It is dangerous to merge into traffic on a city street or in the highway. Our mechanic and the dealer cannot find anything. It is not predictable but it is dangerous to drive.
Engine, Apr 21, 2023
When driving to work, the engine just stop without any warning signs. I had to tow my car to the mechanic and he told me that my engine was seized. My oil change is up to date.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Apr 19, 2023
The break light don’t want to turn off Seat belts don’t latch