2012 Hyundai Sonata: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata: 8 recalls, 1557 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
Recalls
8 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #12V352000 · 2012 · 29,767 vehicles
What's wrong: The curtain side airbags on these vehicles May inflate without deployment command due to an error during manufacturing.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Hyundai dealers will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain side airbags free of charge. This recall began on August 31, 2012.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #14V434000 · 2014 · 883,000 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable May detach from from the shift lever pin.
Why it matters: 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…
The 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. The recall began in September 2014.
Engine Vehicle recall #15V568000 · 2015 · 470,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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…
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #15V759000 · 2015 · 304,900 vehicles
What's wrong: The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: 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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #17V152000 · 2017 · 977,778 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts May detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
The 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. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's May contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.…
Seat belts, Seat belts Vehicle recall #17V617000 · 2017 · 443,545 vehicles
What's wrong: The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts May detach from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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 of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017.
Airbags, Seat belts Vehicle recall #18V137000 · 2018 · 580,058 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018.
Engine, Fuel system Vehicle recall #18V934000 · 2018 · 150,730 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 95 mention a fire, 38 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (567): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (192), noise or vibration (168), warning light on (164).
- Steering (301): the most common themes are steering problems (266), noise or vibration (159).
- Electrical (234): the most common themes are electrical failure (82), warning light on (53), stalls / loses power (47).
- Airbags (170): the most common themes are warning light on (54).
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata has 1557 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 37 Sonata model years for complaints (3.6× the average Sonata year). Complaints peaked in 2018 (198 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 80,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (3377 complaints, 14 recalls), 2013 (1914 complaints, 9 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 33 | 26 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Hyundai Sonata problems?
Owners have filed 1557 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (567), steering (301), electrical (234).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 6-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Hyundai Sonata repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.