10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
10 / 58
Injuries / Deaths:
13 / 0
Average Mileage:
59,405 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 5 of 26)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #434

Dec 032021

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I brought my engine in to be checked after the recall for engine failure. Hyundai told me it was fine/not affected. I brought my vehicle in twice after that because while driving, the engine suddenly stopped accelerating in the middle of driving. Both times, I was told that nothing was wrong with my car. They went so far as to accuse me of overfilling my gas tank (which I have never done). I trusted them instead of looking up this issue being part of the recall symptoms. Finally, while in the middle of driving, the engine locked up completely. I had it towed to Hyundai. They finally admitted it was covered under warranty, but I see no evidence of them recording it as a vehicle affected by recall. I am very concerned about this because there are probably thousands of other families at risk right now because of Hyundai's dishonesty and dodging responsibility and not including their VINs in the recall either. If their engines were to lock during a left turn for example, people are at risk of dying. In addition, Hyundai has still not reimbursed me for the towing and rental car costs of $2918.27 total which they are entitled to per the settlement. It has been over 3 months since I turned in the last of the paperwork. It has been over 7 months since the engine died. More importantly, they need to be fully investigated for withholding information, falsifying information, and putting people at risk of death and at a financial disadvantage.

- Mount Pleasant, SC, USA

problem #433

Jun 182022

Sonata

  • 67,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the engine overheated. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the engine, and the vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.

- Lyles, TN, USA

problem #432

May 192022

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
Motor seized, powered off while driving down the highway at speeds of 55 miles of hour on a hill and would not start back, without warning other than a loud noise right before it shut off.

- Pleasant Shade , TN, USA

problem #431

Jul 052022

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2012 HYUNDAI SONATA is experiencing knocking noises. I only have 125,674 miles on it. I have not received anything saying that the car has been recalled yet. I-??m making monthly payments on this vehicle and needs to be fixed as soon as possible.

- College Park , GA, USA

problem #430

Jun 172022

Sonata

  • miles
My 2012 Hyundai Sonata is experiencing what caused Hyundai to recall 129k similar cars, but I never received a recall notice: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a34874678/hyundai-engine-bearings-recall/#:~:text=Hyundai%20has%20issued%20a%20recall, and%20the%202015%E2%80%932016%20Veloster. My car is experiencing abnormal knocking noises from the engine, reduced power or hesitation, illumination of the "check engine" light and error code is coming across as "knock sensor"

- Scappoose, OR, USA

problem #429

Jun 202022

Sonata

  • 118,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated upon pulling out of a parking space, the oil pressure warning light and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle. The contact's husband test drove the vehicle and noticed that the vehicle went into limp mode and would only drive at slower speeds. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle in to their location. The vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine was blown and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance might be provided for the engine replacement. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

- Hanahan, SC, USA

problem #428

Jun 082022

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The knock sensor kept going off and check Engine light would be activated, we have taken to several auto places and check engine light and codes would be cleared, engine seized and no longer works we were stranded on side of road. Our understanding that this is part of the rod bearing inspection recall campaign. We purchased car for our daughter and it has a salvaged title, we were told by Hyundai dealer that due to it being a salvaged title they can't do anything. My understanding that any recall must be honored with or without salvaged title, is that correct?

- Wildomar, CA, USA

problem #427

Jun 072022

Sonata

  • miles
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?: Vehicle went into LIMP mode on highway (June 7th 2022). The next day, the vehicle would not start, despite battery replacement. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk" When in limp mode, car would not accelerate. My vehicle could have been hit by another vehicle due to the sudden, unexpected decline in speed; Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Vehicle was towed to the Hyundai dealership the evening of June 10, 2022. I was informed by Hyundai that it would take 2 to 3 weeks before they could even look at my vehicle. Vehicle has not been diagnosed yet. It is still at Hyundai as of today, June 22, 2022. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle is currently awaiting diagnosis by Hyundai. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear" The vehicle went into limp mode. The next day it would not start.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #426

Jun 092022

Sonata

  • miles
I gave my son this car b/c I thought it was safe and reliable. My son was driving down the road and all of a sudden the lights started blinking and he pulled over. He had to have it towed and repair shop says the engine is locking up and would cost more to replace. This is a paid for car and now we are totally screwed. I really want the manufacturer to honor and fix their issues. I ensured I had this car serviced timely and took care of the car. Now, I am $12K in the whole and will probably go ahead and trade in my other 2017 Hyundai Sonata to avoid anymore of these issues that no one can honor to fix. This car has about 80K miles on it so not too bad, either!

- Merritt Island, FL, USA

problem #425

Jun 182022

Sonata

  • miles
Connecting rod broke and punctured engine. Vehicle is available for inspection. My son was driving vehicle and the vehicle shut off while driving which could have been very catostrophic. Service center is who advised what the problem was after the vehicle was towed to their facility. Not inspected by any others at this point. Vehicle was just in for maintenance a week prior. No warning lamps or symptoms until the moment it happened. Approaching stop sign heard knocking or clicking noise, proceeded to side street to pull over and before he could pull over, the vehicle completely shut down. He went to look under hood and oil was splattered on top of hood and leaking all under vehicle. Vehicle was then towed to service facility who advised the connecting rod broke off and blew hole in engine.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #424

Apr 022022

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My car started making knocking noise while I was driving. I put my VIN on a website and it said my car was affected for recall engine connecting rod bearing and qualified to get fixed under campaign. On 4/04/22 I had my 2012 Hyundai Sonata towed to the dealership where few days later they denied it because of salvage title. I contacted Better Business Bureau for help and almost two months later denied me and closed my case for the same reason it has salvage title. My car does not have 100,000 mileage and only is not operating because of this mistake the Hyundai manufacturer made. The BBB auto line sent me the car fax and none of the previous owners ever got this recall fixed and now that I have the car it stopped working because of the rod bearings and the dealership has confirmed it. It is a safety concern and is not performing as it should because of manufacturer. I have the proof where it says my car is affected. It having salvage title isn-??t valid reason to refuse recall coverage. Consumer is trying to get the car fix under the engine connecting rod bearing campaign.

- Modesto, CA, USA

problem #423

Apr 282022

Sonata

  • 71,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic however, the contact was referred to an authorized dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a seized engine seize and oil drain plug failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.

- Fort Myers, FL, USA

problem #422

Feb 152022

Sonata

  • 2,000 miles
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the engine started smoking. The vehicle was overheated and the vehicle flap and cooling warning light message displayed. The contact was able to pull over safely and exit the family out. There were 4 passengers, the wife, and 3 children. The entire vehicle was destroyed and engulfed in flame. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the wrecking yard. There was a police report. There were minor injuries to the wife and 1 daughter. The contact related the fire to NHTSA Campaign Number 20V746000 (Engine). The approximate failure mileage was 2,000

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #421

Apr 122022

Sonata

  • 68,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had seized. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #420

Apr 282022

Sonata

  • miles
The vehicle had the engine replaced under Hyundai recall. What a fiasco. Within 6 months the fuel gauge starts intermittently work. Then the vehicle completely dies, diagnosis calls to have fuel pump replaced. Next 3 months the vehicle while driving losses power having to pull over to the side of the road. Thank God vehicle started and able to drive home, while the vehicle would loose power, then regaining it once took foot off gas pedal and applying pressure to again. That night find the rear brake light illuminated, went out stepped on brake pedal and went off. Another time console light would illuminate while driving no reasoning. The vehicle lastly killed the battery in the driveway. Had AAA tow to mechanic who now states the alternator needs to be replaced. After a few day not hearing back from mechanic, I call. He stating now the vehicle has electrical problems and it takes time. I will keep you posted. Hyundai has many major issues and should be held accountable, its a safety issue to the driver and general public.

- Hartsdale, NY, USA

problem #419

Mar 192022

Sonata

  • miles
On March 19th I was involved in wreck where the other driver was at fault. The lady t-boned me on my driver's side. Airbags never deployed so my head smashed Into the window leaving me with a concussionand spinal injury. My usually working horn failed as well. I would also like to mention that I have only had this car a year. I was also told it was never in a wreck and had 1 owner. Nope. A week after I got it, I was driving and my engine seized while I was doing 70mph. The steering stopped working, but somehow managed to pull off to the side. i had to stay in my car because of the busy highway. It was 100+ weather and my windows wouldn't work. I sat there for 2 hours. Took the car to a shop just to find out about the engine recall that I believe my car wasn't apart of, but should have been. Fought with Hyundai for them to fix it then lost my job because I was denied a loaner car while waiting. 2 months later they finally fix it. Now the breaks do a weird grinding thing a lot, my shifter slips out of place, the steering column wobbles, the engine is constantly making a disturbing noise and is sluggish, it has trouble shifting when accelerating. I have had the car rapidly accelerate instead of slow down when stopping at a stop sign or light. I only got it to stop after stomping the breaks repeatedly while throwing it in park and turning the car off all at the same time. Emergency break and traction control light come on a lot. It's throwing a high speed can bus code, but only sometimes. My gas mileage has went down to 16-18 mpg. Oil changes are necessary every month. AND my taillights burn out every 1 to 2 months. Now I have 4 traffic tickets. And that was all BEFORE the wreck. Hyundai refuses to call me back after they reluctantly fixed the first recall.

- Tyler, TX, USA

problem #418

Apr 292022

Sonata

  • miles
While driving, the gas pedal was unresponsive to down pressure. The 2012 Sonata Hyndai moved slowly off the road till it stopped. I could start it again, the lights responded, it would not move. Towed to a garage and they said my engine failed! No warning lights observed. After restarting the engine warning light came on.

- Boxford, MA, USA

problem #417

Dec 282021

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
My Hyundai Sonata has the failed engine that was recalled by Hyundai. But because we did not do a software update Hyundai will not replace the engine. We were not aware of either recall. We also didn't know about a class action settlement. My car is sitting at the dealership since December, 2021. I have notified your department once before and nothing was done. This vehicle has been deemed dangerous to drive but I will have no choice. Hyundai needs to step up and replace their horrible mistake. Please help me.

- New Smyrna Beach, FL, USA

problem #416

Feb 192022

Sonata

  • miles
There is a recall on my 2012 Hyundai Sonata motor. Which has caused the motor to lock up. Hyundai is refusing to fix the recall issue. Both dealership and customer care have stated that the motor locked up due to the recall but they are refusing to fix the issue, stating it is my fault. My car had 130k miles on it. The dealership has had my car for 2 months and they never contact me regarding the progress on my car, I have had to contact them.

- Mobile, AL, USA

problem #415

Feb 192022

Sonata

  • miles
The motor just stopped running due to the ECM recall the motor locked

- Mobile, AL, USA

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