Owner complaint record
2012 Hyundai Sonata Problems and Recalls: What Owners Report
This page shows the problems 2012 Hyundai Sonata owners reported to NHTSA, the federal agency that tracks car safety: 1,556 complaints sorted by system, the mileage they started at, the check engine codes owners named, and the recalls to check before you buy.
NHTSA owner complaintsChecked Oct 3, 20261,556 complaintsFederal file of Aug 25, 2026
-54% vs 2011
567 complaints, 36% of the total
half of the engine reports that give a mileage came before this
29 mention an injury, 95 a fire
The engine leads the 2012 Hyundai Sonata record at 36%, with steering next at 19%. Of the engine reports that give a mileage, half came before 92,000 miles. The costliest part on our cost list is the steering coupler, $1.46 to $11 for the part alone.
It's a count of reports, not a failure rate. Use it to decide what to inspect before buying, not to grade the car.
More than a third of the complaints name the engine, many of them stalling and knocking, and the engine is under recall 15V-568 for metal debris left from machining the crankshaft. Steering complaints follow, most of them a noise.
Under recall 15V-568, the dealer inspects the engine and replaces it if needed, and Hyundai covers the short block for 10 years or 120,000 miles for the original and later owners.
2012 Hyundai Sonata overview
The 2012 Sonata came with a 2.4-liter four or a 2.0-liter turbo four, with a six-speed automatic or, on the 2.4, a six-speed manual, and front-wheel drive.
Owners filed 54% fewer complaints about the 2012 than the 2011 (3,374), and the engine leads only in 2012. The 2013 drew 1,903, with engine named most.
- Power
- 198 hp at 6,300 rpm (200 on the SE)
- Torque
- 184 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm (186 on the SE)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
- Power
- 274 hp at 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 269 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 6-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Direct injection
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
Fuel economy from EPA fueleconomy.gov; power and torque from Hyundai News media kits (Wayback copies), read 3 Oct 2026.
Is the 2012 Hyundai Sonata reliable?
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata ranks 3rd of 16 Sonata model years for owner complaints, and the engine draws the largest share. The four checks below are what the federal record can say; none of them is a reliability score.
- 3rdCompared with other Sonata years1,556 complaints, the 3rd most of 16 model years (2011 has 3,374).By model year
- 36%The system named mostEngine, in 567 complaints. Half of the engine reports that give a mileage came before 92,000 miles.Problems by system
- 8Recalls8 recall campaigns cover the 2012 Hyundai Sonata.Recalls
- 51Crashes, injuries, fires51 complaints mention a crash, 29 an injury and 95 a fire.
A complaint count is not a failure rate: the record doesn't say how many were sold, so a popular year draws more reports.
2012 Hyundai Sonata problems by system
Every complaint to NHTSA names the part of the car that gave the owner trouble, such as the engine or the steering. The cards below sort the 1,556 complaints about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata that way, largest first: open one to read what owners wrote, when it usually starts, and what to check.
Engine36%567 complaintsStalling, knocking, engine recall
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What owners describe
An engine rod blew a hole in the engine block. This was done at a speed of around 48 mph. This is based on the dealership technician inspection. Luckily I was not next to another car when this occurred or it very likely would have caused an accident.
Oil pan has been leaking and resealed four times. After first two times the dealer replaced the pan and resealed it again. It started seeping again and I am sick of it. The oil pan has been leaking since the car had only 7000 miles on it and I bought it brand new.
MOGACOMNRead 4 more owner reports+4
I am contacting you regarding the following recalls, part 573 safety recall report 17v-226 and 15v-568 after visiting hyundai dealership twice, my car still has knocking noise from the engine, and the last month my car engine caught fire
Wastegate accuator defective multiple times since engine failure replacement.. But rick case hyundai wont replace under warranty as it was giving issues when the warranty period was still valid. Possibly damaged at the time of block replacement as I had to return to the dealer 3 times to resolve check engine light and turbo failure.
2012 hyundai sonata. Consumer writes in regard to defective engine. The consumer requested to be reimbursed for repairs performed at the dealership for engine stalling, knocking, failure, fire and other short block assembly repair.
Oil feeder line leaked. This was a known defect in the 2011 vehicles. Occurred just out of warranty period. Hyundai would not replace under warranty even though this is a known issue with the 2012 models as well.
When it starts
Usually starts around 92,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 65,500 and 124,500.
What to do
Listen for a knock at idle and under load, and run the VIN for the engine recall.
Our guideCar Shuts Off While Idling or Driving? Causes and What to DoSteering19%298 complaintsSteering noise
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What owners describe
Steering coupler needs to be replaced makes loud knocking noise while driving over numbs or turning.seems to be an occurring problem with sonata 2012. Dealer wants $550 to replace a $2 part. That's correct a $2 part located in the steering wheel. That's outrageous and a scam that should be investigated and made a recall asap.
75,000 miles , hyundai dealership informing me I have a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel. Apparently it is a common problem with a plastic spider gear and dealership wants $489 to replace. Car could lose steering control. I see on the internet this is a widely reported issue but no recalls?
FLCACACORead 4 more owner reports+4
Steering wheel became loose and made clunking noise. Dealer said this was common with 2010 to 2013 hyundai sonata and could create a safety problem of the car being hard to steer. He said there should be a recall as he has had many warranty claims of this problem. Dealer replaced worm shaft flex coupling part # 56315f00 and 56315-2k000-fff. Hyundai supposedly redesigned part in 2014 model
Clicking noise when turning the steering wheel at 68,000 miles. Took it to dealer and was told that 2011's were recalled for this item but not 2012's, so it is a warranty issue, but it was beyond the 60,000 miles for warranty. Dealer said it's "not a safety issue" so I could keep driving it until I had the money to pay for the repair.
My brand new 2012 hyundai sonata pulls hard to the right. Took it in for repair, dealer said nothing was wrong. Left the car dealership and nothing was fixed. Still pulling hard to the right. I set another appointment to take the car back in.
2012 hyundai sonata gls requires constant steering input to track straight down interstate. Left right left right. This is an unsafe operating condition. Steering is way too sensitive. Also cruise control fails to disengage intermittently. Dealer can not replicate therefore can not repair.
When it starts
Usually starts around 72,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 42,500 and 100,000.
What to do
Turn the wheel lock to lock slowly and listen for a clunk.
Electrical system15%228 complaintsWarning lights, stalling
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What owners describe
Keeps blowing brake lights and tail light bulbs. Found wiring harness fused. Dealer says known problem and call corporate hyundai for parts coverage of brake lamp assembly. Hyundai says no recall issued for this problem. Vehicle out of warranty after 100,000 miles.
Brake light burnt out also burnt the light fixture. Dealer said this was a problem so they changed the brake light piece on the harness and the fixture. But the didnt recall it. So if you order another light harness it won't fit because of the change. Smh now air bag light came on while driving down road. Now riding without brake light. I've seen so many of the same without 1 brake light smh. Guess same problem!
TXCOCTFLRead 4 more owner reports+4
The first issue is that my car will not start sometimes. Then after a minute or two it will start. I have the push button to start my car. It is beginning to happen more often in the last 6 weeks. The second issue is that my steering wheel is making a clicking noise when I turn the steering wheel. It happens all the time.
I have had to replace brake light bulb every month for the last 3 years. They have gotten hot enough to melt the hole you insert them into and then cannot be taken out because the heat made the hole smaller
When the temperature is +95 the car will drive for 15 mins and an alarm sound warning you that the "hybrid system warning - safely stop and do not drive" the vehicle is not responsive and the the engine is making a cracking noise
Its a key-less, push button ignition. When try to start as I normally do, lights in dashboard go on but car wont start. I`ve tried everything, I`ve had the car towed for 50 miles to my house, try again for the next 2 days and still dont work. I research on internet to find out lots of drivers have had the exact same issue . I`m taking it to the dealership tomorrow.
When it starts
Usually starts around 80,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 51,362 and 120,000.
What to do
Watch the dash for warning lights on the test drive.
Airbag system11%168 complaintsAirbag light, curtain airbag recall
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What owners describe
Brake light burnt out also burnt the light fixture. Dealer said this was a problem so they changed the brake light piece on the harness and the fixture. But the didnt recall it. So if you order another light harness it won't fit because of the change. Smh now air bag light came on while driving down road. Now riding without brake light. I've seen so many of the same without 1 brake light smh. Guess same problem!
When I look up recalls on my vehicle, I get this summary: manufacturer recall number174 NHTSA recall number18v137000 recall statusrecall incomplete when I took it to the dealer, they said no outstanding recalls were shown for my vehicle??? What does this mean???
TXCARead 2 more owner reports+2
Driving home on november 24th 2018 I was on a gram to market road and a deer jumped in front of the car. When I went to brake and the car made a high screetch and didn't stop. When I hit the deer neither airbag deployed. It had just been returned to me from the previous engine recall
Recall campaign 132. Vehicle stalled/locked up causing a collision with heavy front end damage.
When it starts
Usually starts around 82,800 miles. Half of owners reported it between 58,000 and 108,150.
What to do
Check that the airbag light goes out after start-up, and run the VIN.
Braking system10%151 complaintsBrake warnings, soft pedal
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What owners describe
Could not start car parked in the garage, and fault drained battery. Warning lights said do not operate car hybrid system not functioning. Have car towed. Also had brake waring light light up on dash. Had to have car towed. Good thing this did not happen when driving but when trying to start the car. Dealer reported that abs module failed. 57,200 miles on vehicle. Repair cost estimate is over $3,200.
Reference NHTSA recall 15v75900 ie. Brake pedal stopper pad my vehicle has this exact issue, however was manufactured just after the recall period and thus I was told by hyundai that it will not be fixed. Obviously, the recall needs to be extended to vehicles made after the april 2011 date.
COTXRead 2 more owner reports+2
I have had to replace brake light bulb every month for the last 3 years. They have gotten hot enough to melt the hole you insert them into and then cannot be taken out because the heat made the hole smaller
While driving and pressing the accelerator it acts as if its not getting any gas, so when I remove my foot and repress it, it moves right along. It has happened 2 times in the last 24 hours. Now, I exited the car and went into the house and the brake lights are still on.
When it starts
Usually starts around 71,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 42,000 and 104,022.
What to do
Press the brake pedal hard: it should stay high and firm.
Our guideBrake Warning Light: What It Means and Is It Safe to Drive?More: ABS light on · Warped brake rotors
What repairs cost on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata
Part prices for the problems 2012 Sonata owners report most. They are shelf and mail-order prices for the part alone, so a shop bill adds labor and its own markup.
Four brands, from Standard Motor Products up to Dorman.
Check steering couplersPrices on this page are our own research, not the store’s, and store prices change daily.
Prices read on RockAuto on Oct 2, 2026, for the parts listed as fitting this car; regular stock only, closeouts left out.
Check engine codes owners report
6 owners name P1326 (a Hyundai-specific code) in their complaints, the code named most for this car.
Complaints whose text names the code, one count per complaint. Tap a code to read our guide; grey codes have no guide yet.
When problems show up on the odometer
Braking system complaints start earliest, typically around 71,000 miles. Engine complaints start latest, around 92,000 miles.
Dot: typical mileage. Bar: the middle half of reports. From the mileage owners wrote on the form.
Hyundai Sonata complaints by model year
2012 is shown in dark. The engine is named most in 9 other Sonata years.
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2012 is shown in dark. The engine is named most in 9 other Sonata years.
When owners filed
Complaints about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have kept arriving since 2011, with peaks in 2018 and 2019. A peak often follows a recall or a news story, not a new fault.
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2012 Hyundai Sonata recalls
8 recall campaigns cover the 2012 Hyundai Sonata. A recall list is by model year; whether one car had the work done is in its VIN record.
2012 Hyundai Sonata crash tests and investigations
NHTSA crash tests rate the 2012 Hyundai Sonata five stars overall. Its defect office has opened seven investigations into six problems that cover this model year.
Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars: 5 is the safest result, 1 the least safe.
Frontal stars compare cars of about the same weight; side stars compare every vehicle. Rollover stars show how top-heavy the car is: NHTSA puts the 2012 Hyundai Sonata’s chance of rolling over in a single-car crash at 10%.
Safety equipment NHTSA recommends
Federal investigations
Before you buy a used 2012 Hyundai Sonata
These checks follow what 2012 Sonata owners reported most: engine knocking and stalling, then a steering noise. Run the VIN before you pay, because this car has engine and airbag recalls.
- 1Listen for an engine knock
Engine complaints lead, and a recall covers bearing wear.
- 2Run the VIN for engine and airbag recalls
Only the VIN shows the engine inspection and the airbag fix.
- 3Turn the wheel lock to lock
Steering complaints describe a noise.
- 4Watch the airbag light at start-up
An airbag warning light runs through the airbag complaints.
- 5Press the brake pedal hard
Owners describe a soft pedal.
Common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Hyundai Sonata?
Owners name the engine most (567 complaints), then steering (298) and electrical system (228).
Is 2012 a good year for the Hyundai Sonata?
The complaint record can't grade a car, but it shows what to check: the engine complaints that lead this year, the mileage they start at, and whether the recall repairs were done.
Was there a recall on the 2012 Hyundai Sonata?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata: engine (2), seat belts (3), exterior lighting, power train, airbags. A dealer can tell from the VIN whether one car got the repairs.
At what mileage do 2012 Hyundai Sonata problems start?
Braking system complaints start earliest, around 71,000 miles. Engine complaints come later, around 92,000 miles.
Which Sonata years have the most and fewest complaints?
The 2011 and 2013 model years have the most in the file, and the 2025 and 2024 the fewest, though newer cars have had less time to collect complaints.
Other 2012 sedans to compare
What the complaint record can't tell you
Sources
Show all 7 sources
Owner quotes are changed from all capitals to normal case only. Counts by system and year cover vehicles with at least 10 complaints.