2012 HYUNDAI SONATA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
5/5
Safety Rating
2,246
Owner Complaints
8
Recalls
12
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA
The 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA has received a total of 2,246 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It earned an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program crash tests. There have been 13 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE. 12 technical service bulletins have been issued by Hyundai Motor America for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (552 complaints), Steering (298 complaints), and Electrical System (226 complaints).
Recalls for the 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA
NHTSA has recorded 13 recalls for the 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA, potentially affecting up to 6,174,227 vehicles.
Recall 18V934000 — ENGINE
| 150,730 vehicles affected
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.
View full details →Recall 18V934000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 150,730 vehicles affected
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.
View full details →Recall 18V137000 — AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
| 580,058 vehicles affected
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...
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.
View full details →Recall 18V137000 — SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
| 580,058 vehicles affected
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...
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.
View full details →Recall 18V137000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
| 580,058 vehicles affected
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...
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.
View full details →Recall 18V137000 — AIR BAGS
| 580,058 vehicles affected
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...
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.
View full details →Recall 17V617000 — SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
| 443,545 vehicles affected
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,...
View full details →Recall 17V617000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
| 443,545 vehicles affected
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,...
View full details →Recall 17V152000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
| 977,778 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 15V568000 — ENGINE
| 470,000 vehicles affected
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...
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...
View full details →Recall 15V759000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
| 304,900 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 14V434000 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
| 883,000 vehicles affected
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...
View full details →Recall 12V352000 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
| 29,767 vehicles affected
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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA
2,246 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
My 2012 Hyundai Sonata recently had an engine replacement completed under a Hyundai recall. Immediately after the recall repair, the vehicle began shaking while driving, produced a burning smell, and the air conditioning stopped working, none of which occurred prior to the recall repair. These symptoms started immediately after the engine replacement, indicating a possible improper or unsafe installation. I believe the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to the burning smell and shaking. I contacted Hyundai Customer Service and was told the issue must be resolved with the dealership. However, the dealership has refused timely inspection, has dismissed my safety concerns, and has declined to provide a rental or loaner vehicle, leaving me without safe transportation. This is a post-recall safety issue, and I am concerned about the risk of fire or mechanical failure due to the burning smell and vehicle instability. I am requesting this issue be formally investigated.
My 2012 Hyundai Sonata recently had an engine replacement completed under a Hyundai recall. Immediately after the recall repair, the vehicle began shaking while driving, produced a burning smell, and the air conditioning stopped working, none of which occurred prior to the recall repair. These symptoms started immediately after the engine replacement, indicating a possible improper or unsafe installation. I believe the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to the burning smell and shaking. I contacted Hyundai Customer Service and was told the issue must be resolved with the dealership. However, the dealership has refused timely inspection, has dismissed my safety concerns, and has declined to provide a rental or loaner vehicle, leaving me without safe transportation. This is a post-recall safety issue, and I am concerned about the risk of fire or mechanical failure due to the burning smell and vehicle instability. I am requesting this issue be formally investigated.
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check brake and "Hybrid System Warning Safely Stop - Do Not Drive" messages were displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and the contact replaced the hydraulic pressure units and hydraulic unit assemblies (HECU/ABS modules). The contact stated that after the repairs, the failure returned approximately 30,000 miles later. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Unknown, my ESP KEEPS Coming trying to see if it’s recall
Safety Rating for the 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA
The 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
| Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Frontal Crash | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Side Crash | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Safety ratings are based on controlled crash tests conducted by NHTSA. A 5-star rating indicates the highest level of occupant protection.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA
Hyundai Motor America has issued 12 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
22-EM-004H — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
This bulletin provides additional service diagnostic information and repair procedures related to Electric Waste Gate Actuator (EWGA) equipped vehicles listed below. Refer to the applicable Engine Control / Fuel System sections in the Shop Manual, and then follow the procedures outlined in this bulletin whenever a vehicle with the following...
20-SS-002H(1) — WHEELS
This bulletin provides information on tire maintenance best practices and procedures for dealers and customers to maximize tire life and performance.
20-01-004H - The — EQUIPMENT
Applicable vehicles with 2.0L Turbo and 2.4L GDI engines may experience the Check Engine warning lamp illuminated with DTC P1326. Follow the procedure to inspect the vehicle and replace the engine or update the engine ECU software based on the inspection results.
5NP-X5D2X-07 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
The warranty coverage for the brake pedal stopper has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first.
5NP-J7X2Y-12 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Hyundai Motor America is conducting a Service Campaign to perform an underbody corrosion preventative service on certain 2011 ? 2014 MY Sonata previously or currently registered in Salt Belt States. Service Campaign 946 provides a procedure to perform the preventative measure.
5NP-V6G6F-10 — ENGINE
"THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SOFTWARE UPDATE TO PREVENT AN INCREASE IN THE CATALYST TEMPERATURE WHICH MAY RESULT IN ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT WITH THE FOLLOWING DTC(S): H P0171 - SYSTEM TOO LEAN - BANK 1. H P0420 - CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEM,...
5NP-V6G6F-10 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
"THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SOFTWARE UPDATE TO PREVENT AN INCREASE IN THE CATALYST TEMPERATURE WHICH MAY RESULT IN ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT WITH THE FOLLOWING DTC(S): H P0171 - SYSTEM TOO LEAN - BANK 1. H P0420 - CATALYTIC CONVERTER SYSTEM,...
5NP-U9G4Z-09 — ENGINE
THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES WARRANTY EXTENSION INFORMATION REGARDING THE ENGINE SHORT BLOCK ASSEMBLY (CONSISTING OF THE ENGINE BLOCK, CRANKSHAFT AND BEARINGS, CONNECTING RODS AND BEARINGS, AND PISTONS) ON 2011-2014MY SONATA (YF) VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AT HYUNDAI MOTOR MANUFACTURING ALABAMA (HMMA).
14-BE-012 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
13-01-042 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
Showing 10 of 12 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the HYUNDAI SONATA
- 2007 HYUNDAI SONATA — 905 complaints
- 2008 HYUNDAI SONATA — 552 complaints
- 2009 HYUNDAI SONATA — 610 complaints
- 2010 HYUNDAI SONATA — 415 complaints
- 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA — 4,588 complaints
- 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA (current)
- 2013 HYUNDAI SONATA — 2,593 complaints
- 2014 HYUNDAI SONATA — 1,060 complaints
- 2015 HYUNDAI SONATA — 1,596 complaints
- 2016 HYUNDAI SONATA — 946 complaints
- 2017 HYUNDAI SONATA — 958 complaints
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- HYUNDAI PALISADE — 2,456 total complaints
- HYUNDAI VELOSTER — 1,738 total complaints
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