NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
This page covers 12 recalls, 1698 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata.
26–36 mpg combined
6.5–9 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2012 Sonata's complaint record is dominated by engine and steering issues. On the engine side, owners frequently report sudden stalling, loss of power, and catastrophic internal failures, particularly rod bearing failure leading to engine seizure, often without any warning light beforehand. These failures show up across a wide range of mileages. Steering complaints are the second-largest group, with owners describing loss of power steering assist, stiffness, and unexpected pulling while driving. Exterior lighting rounds out the top three, with reports focused on headlights and taillights failing or going dark prematurely. A recurring thread in the engine complaints is that failures tend to arrive with little warning, no check engine light, sometimes just a noise or a momentary hesitation before the engine stops running entirely.
1,698
Total Complaints
53
Crash-Related
98
Fire-Related
30
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata has 12 recalls, the most serious involving multiple fire risks, a transmission cable that can detach and cause the vehicle to move in an unintended direction, and side curtain airbags that can deploy without any collision.
On the fire side, the ABS control module can develop an engine compartment fire while the vehicle is parked or moving, a high-pressure fuel pipe can leak near ignition sources on vehicles that received prior engine repairs, and the 12-volt accessory outlet can overheat during extended use. The side curtain airbags can inflate without warning due to a manufacturing defect, which can startle the driver and cause a crash. On the restraint side, front seatbelt linkages can detach from the anchor pretensioners in a crash, leaving occupants without proper restraint, and the airbag control module can disable frontal airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, and side airbags together. The brake light switch stopper pad can deteriorate and cause the brake lights to stay on even when the pedal is released, which can confuse drivers behind the vehicle. Engine concerns include premature connecting rod bearing wear that can lead to engine damage or stall, and crankshaft debris that can cause engine failure and a sudden stall on certain 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter GDI models.
At a glance
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The Anti-Lock Brake System module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, potentially starting a fire in the engine compartment.
What the fix does
The ABS fuse will be replaced at no cost to restore normal brake system function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely over time, potentially causing engine damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found. A software update with a new Knock Sensor Detection System will be installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, disabling the thermal fuse. This allows the outlet to overheat during prolonged use, such as when using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may be damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued from a previous engine replacement, causing fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control unit may short circuit during a crash, which could prevent the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an external wire filter kit at no charge to prevent the air bag control unit from short circuiting.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt linkages may come loose and separate from the seat belt anchor pretensioners, which are devices that tighten seat belts during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the connection between the seat belt linkage and pretensioner, then install a warning label to prevent future detachment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front seat belt linkages may detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners, causing the seat belts to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the connections between the seat belt linkages and pretensioners at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake pedal stopper pad can wear down, causing the brake light switch plunger to stay extended even when you release the brake pedal.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Metallic debris may not have been fully removed during engine crankshaft manufacturing. This debris can restrict oil flow through connecting rod bearings, causing bearing wear, engine knocking noise, and possible engine failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your vehicle and replace the engine assembly if needed, at no cost. Engine warranty extends to 10 years/120,000 miles.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission shift cable can detach from the shift lever pin, which may prevent proper gear selection.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A manufacturing defect in the inflator module can cause the side curtain airbag to deploy unexpectedly without a crash, potentially startling the driver or injuring occupants.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected side curtain airbag inflator module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The curtain side airbags may inflate unexpectedly without a deployment command due to a manufacturing error.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the curtain side airbags at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
