VehicleVerdict

2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata has 573 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 25% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

573

Engine complaints

25%

Share of year

11

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Engine complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many engine complaints does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have?

NHTSA has 573 complaints about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine — 25% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata engine?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the engine: 15V568000, 18V934000.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.