VehicleVerdict

2012 Hyundai Sonata problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 2,272 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 11.1 times the median Sonata year — the 2012 model ranks #3 of 41 Sonata years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 68 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 573 reports (25% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

2,272

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

7

Investigations

86

Crash-involved

163

Fires reported

68

Injuries

3

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Sonata years?

See all Sonata years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Hyundai Sonata problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine57325%
Steering30113%
Electrical System27212%
Airbags1707%
Brakes1597%
Lighting1436%
Other1266%
Fuel System1175%
Transmission974%
Speed Control844%
Seat Belts743%
Body & Structure392%
Tires & Wheels392%
Suspension362%
Visibility & Wipers231%
Driver Assistance110%
Seats50%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?

8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V934000EngineDecember 28, 2018 · 150,730 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

18V137000AirbagsFebruary 27, 2018 · 580,058 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

17V617000Seat BeltsOctober 4, 2017 · 443,545 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

17V152000Seat BeltsMarch 8, 2017 · 977,778 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

15V759000LightingNovember 16, 2015 · 304,900 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

15V568000EngineSeptember 10, 2015 · 470,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

14V434000TransmissionJuly 18, 2014 · 883,000 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

12V352000AirbagsJuly 24, 2012 · 29,767 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

SON DRIVING CAR AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. SON WAS ABLE TO GET TO VACANT LOT. SON TRIED TO CRANK CAR 2 TIMES AND IT WOULD NOT START. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FLASHED ON AND OFF ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER CUTTING ON AND OFF. SON GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SON RAN TO BUSHES AND 5…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 28, 2018 · fire

Based on what I experienced, the fire appears to have resulted from an internal mechanical or electrical failure that occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion. No prior issues or dashboard alerts were present at the time, and there was no external impact or damage that could explain…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 5, 2025 · fire

I was driving I seen smoke then full flames on my windshield and I tried to stop and put my car in park to get out but my brakes stopped working and I couldn’t get the gear in park so I opened the driver door and had to jump out of the car .I had an engine replacement a year before for it being…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 28, 2024 · fire

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT REASON. THE TREMENDOUS FORCE AND FLYING DEBRIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO REACT AND BRUSH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AGAINST THE CURB. PLASTIC PIECES WERE THROWN THROUGHOUT THE FRONT OF THE CAR. LUCKILY, THERE WERE NO INJURIES. EARLIER THAT SAME DAY THE CAR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 31, 2014 · crash

I was driving I seen smoke then full flames on my windshield and I tried to stop and put my car in park to get out but my brakes stopped working and I couldn’t get the gear in park so I opened the driver door and had to jump out of the car .I had an engine replacement a year before for it being…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 28, 2024 · fire

2012 Hyundai Sonata — common questions

Is the 2012 Hyundai Sonata reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 2,272 complaints put the 2012 model at #3 of 41 Sonata years. It is one of the Sonata years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Sonata problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (573 complaints), steering (301 complaints), electrical system (272 complaints).

Does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Hyundai Sonata under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 7 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Hyundai Sonata years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sonata years to avoid are 2011, 2013, 2012, 2015, 2006, 2014, 2017, 2016, 2007, 2009, 2008, 2018, 2010, 2002, 2000. The cleanest record among Sonata years belongs to 1988.

How safe is the 2012 Hyundai Sonata?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.