One of the worst Sonata years
Owners filed about 2.1 times as many complaints as a typical Sonata year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 92,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Sonata years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 1,559 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (578, 37% of complaints), followed by the steering and the electrical system. That ranks 2nd of 13 Sonata years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 8 recalls.
7 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2012 Hyundai Sonata before you buy.
Engine and cooling
578 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 92,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
On August 19, 2026, at 76,170 miles, the engine in a 2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS suddenly lost power and shut off while the vehicle was moving on gas station property. The driver had traveled approximately 10 feet before the engine stopped. Repeated attempts to restart were unsuccessful; the engine would not crank. The driver shifted into…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, the engine started knocking, and smoke emitted from under the hood. The contact decelerated to approximately 15 MPH and drove to her nearby residence. Upon inspection, the contact observed green fluid under…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 100,000 miles
Steering
301 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 72,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The power steering has failed to work on multiple occasions and I’m worried that it may happen during a tight manuver and possibly cause a wreck. This is very dangerous. When this power steering stops working it is way harder to turn than a car with no power at all.Owner complaint, filed 2023
Steering wheel has a clicking clunking sound when turning right and left a mechanic told me it is the yolk in the sterring problem and he was sure there was a recall about thisOwner complaint, filed 2023
Electrical system
235 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 80,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
I am reporting a total manufacturer parts shortage. My 2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS is part of the Hyundai Anti-Theft Customer Satisfaction Campaign P33 (Ignition Cylinder Protector). Hyundai launched this program to fix a massive vehicle theft vulnerability, but they have failed to release or distribute the physical parts to dealerships. I…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact stated that the mileage on the title was discovered to be 98,000. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 99,000; however, a Carfax Report indicated…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 237,532 miles
Brakes and stability control
189 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 73,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 130,000 miles
The part of hand break assembly that’s inside the disk break (the drum assembly) fell off when the dealer ( [XXX] Hyundai, Schaumburg, IL) tried to adjusted. I went to the dealer because the hand break stop to function. I suspect very bad design of the whole assembly disk and drum break. Also the dealer stated that all assembly was…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Air bags
170 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 83,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
The airbag warning light came on, so we took it in to see about a recall on the airbag control unit issue that required a wire filter kit as out lined in a recall in 2011-2013 Sonatas and Sonata Hybrids. In fact, upon reading the invoice filling out this form, I think that is exactly the issue, and Potamkin Hyundai is ignoring the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Airbags failed to deploy. I was involved in a hit and run accident. Vehicle has not been inspected. I had a recall done on it with paperwork confirming it was fixed. I have 4 herniated discs in my back and neck.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Lights, wipers and visibility
163 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 89,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
My car has a problem whith the break lamps, the sockets that hold the bulbs are melting and they have deformed making it hard to replace the fused bulbs. Also the brake light stay on even after the engine is off draining the Battery and causing a short circuit.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Taillight not working. I purchased a bulb for taillight and it’s still out. I got a recall letter in the mail about the lights on sonata but I misplaced it.Owner complaint, filed 2024
Fuel system
114 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 94,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of smoke coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal gasoline odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 126,561 miles
On July 8th 2024 I was driving my already troubled 2012 Hyundai Sonata when I started to smell strong odor of unburnt gasoline which immediately had my red flags go up, I safely pulled off the roadway and opened the hood and the fumes got stronger and stronger, I removed the plastic top engine cover to discover the foam on the underside…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Transmission and drivetrain
97 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 86,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
There is a widespread issue with the 2012 Hyundai Sonata hybrid transmissions failing as driver's are driving resulting in extremely dangerous and life threatening situations. It is hazardous for drivers, passengers, and other vehicles on the road. I was driving my 2012 Hyundai Sonata hybrid on an expressway when with zero warning the…Owner complaint, filed 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that after parking in the driveway and turning the vehicle off, the husband exited the vehicle and walked around to the passenger side. After opening the front passenger-side door, the vehicle erroneously rolled backward down the driveway and crashed into a tree. During…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 112,000 miles
Cruise control and acceleration
84 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 57,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
Approx july 2022 My sonata began to malfunction, first the steering wheel buttons stopped working intermittently off and on unable to turn on and set cruise control, unable to use hands free phone options as well as unable to navigate cluster features, as the time goes on the problem gets worse and eventually do not function ever. I…Owner complaint, filed 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle decelerated independently with the Electronic Stability Control warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 141,000 miles
Seats and seat belts
79 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 81,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side seat belt unexpectedly detached. Several attempts were needed to secure the seat belt while driving. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the driver’s seat belt became inoperable and failed to latch…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 127,819 miles
Seat belt unbuckles from base. This was a recall for sonatas but ours is having this problem but it says it is not a part of the recallOwner complaint, filed 2023
Body, doors and structure
40 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 52,000 miles. Parts named most: Body (31).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
The passenger rear door will not open from the inside OR the outside. The door lock on the inside of the car will not open. Door is in locked position. Problems like this are all over the internet regarding Hyundai cars. This is a safety issue because someone in the back seat can NOT open the door and are potentially locked inside the…Owner complaint, filed 2024
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that there was a large crack on the dashboard. The contact was unaware of what caused the crack on the dashboard. The dealer was informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.Owner complaint, filed 2024
Suspension
36 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
The front driver side coil spring broke at the base. Was driving my car and heard what sounded like something hitting the underside of my car. Upon inspection we found the coil spring had broken. In researching online there was is a campaign recall for 2010-2011 Hyundai Sonata (#133). My vehicle does not fall in this category, but feel…Owner complaint, filed 2022
My vehicle was well kept. It had two accidents which were not my fault but didn't involve the suspension. This week the coil spring snapped on one side and is going to break on the other according to the repair shop they say it's due to struts being under stress. The local hyundai dealership thought there is a recall on this? The car has…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 135,000 miles
Wheels and tires
35 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 32,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
When I drive above 60 MPH on the highway the car starts shaking. I've had it in for service a couple times with no avail. I need help with this problem. I do not feel safe driving under these conditions. I purchased new tires recently but it still shakes.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 96,600 miles
In june 2019 I purchased 4 brand new tires ( general altimax brand) from bentley hyundai. Since the purchase I had to replace one new tire in august 2019 due to frequent low air pressure. Now I'm in dec 2019 and frequent low air pressure continues to happen. The general altimax tire brand is dangerous and has poor quality. After having…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 125,124 miles
Driver assist systems
11 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
Parts named most: Automatic emergency braking (7).
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
In October of 2023, I was driving my 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid to the laundry mat about a quarter of a mile from my home. I stopped at a stop light and all of a sudden, a warning sound burst from my dasher board. The message stated, "Hybrid Warning-DO NOT DRIVE: CHECK BRAKES". The brakes completely stopped working, the pedal was to the…Owner complaint, filed 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Hybrid Warning System: Safely Stop and Do Not Drive. Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I lost complete control of braking when the alarm went off, the brake pedal went to the floor…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Hybrid and EV system
3 complaintsLoss of power, warning messages and battery problems on hybrid or electric versions.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Ask for a hybrid battery health report from a dealer or hybrid shop.
- Watch for warning messages at startup and on the test drive, and confirm the car switches between gas and electric smoothly.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the hybrid system message displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, no error codes were retrieved and the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure.…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 140,266 miles
2012 hyundai sonata. Consumer writes in regards to [VIN] false mpg claims and vehicle acceleration issues. *smd the consumer noticed, when the vehicle was cold, it seemed as though the vehicle could not decided if it wanted to be in electric or gas mode, as it was chugging as the consumer was trying to drive up the hill. The dealer…Owner complaint, filed 2015
Hyundai Sonata complaints by year
Compare the 2012 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2012 midsize cars
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Hyundai Sonata | Among the worst years | 8 |
| 2012 Toyota Camry | Among the worst years | 2 |
| 2012 Honda Accord | One of the better years | 8 |
| 2012 Kia Optima | Worse than most years | 5 |
2012 Hyundai Sonata recalls
Engine
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Seat belts Pretensioner
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Seat belts Pretensioner
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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…
Full recall summary
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.
Seat belts Anchorage
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Lights Switch
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Engine
- Risk
- Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Transmission and drivetrain
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Air bags
- Risk
- The curtain airbag may inflate without deployment command and increase the risk of injury to occupants of the vehicle.
- Fix
- Hyundai dealers will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain side airbags free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
2012 Hyundai Sonata questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Sonata?
The most reported problem areas on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata are the engine and cooling (578 complaints), the steering (301 complaints) and the electrical system (235 complaints).
Is the 2012 Hyundai Sonata a good year to buy?
One of the worst Sonata years. Owners filed about 2.1 times as many complaints as a typical Sonata year. The main thing to watch is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 92,000 miles. Years with fewer complaints: 2019, 2020 and 2021. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Sonata years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The most recent, from Dec 2018, covers the engine. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Sonata problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 92,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the steering gave a mileage of about 72,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Hyundai Sonata years should I avoid?
The Sonata years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2012 and 2013. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2019, 2020 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
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