Recalls · problems · safety

2012 Hyundai Sonata: recalls and problems

11 recalls and 1,711 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

11recalls
1,711complaints
53crashes reported
100fires reported
40injuries reported
1 recall with a “do not drive” or “park outside” warning

Check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA straight away and follow the instructions in the notice.

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine634 · 37%
  • Steering304 · 18%
  • Electrical System240 · 14%
  • Service Brakes163 · 10%
  • Unknown Or Other137 · 8%
  • Air Bags136 · 8%
  • Exterior Lighting136 · 8%
  • Power Train124 · 7%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System104 · 6%
  • Vehicle Speed Control97 · 6%

What owners report

Air Bags,Seat Belts

The passenger side curtain and front airbags popped with no crash or reason, yes hyundai will be able to inspect upon pick up. my safety risk was fortunately at minimal during times of explosion because i had just parked the vehicle when curtain side air bags went off first then slowly reserving when the front passenger side air bags went off good thing i wasn’t on highway going highway speeds. the manufacturer said

Engine

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 the hood. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnos

Unknown Or Other,Engine Fire

Vehicle engine caught fire in april 2026! tow company sold for parts without my permission! immediately after gaining possession of my car. i didn't have comprehensive insurance, only basic. i had a brain bleed stroke nov. 2022 and this is causing stress, setbacks. no attorneys want to take the case because there was no injuries! i jumped out in time. thank god!

Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System

Diagnosed 07/20/2026 with catastrophic oil ring failure requiring engine replacement. engine can stall due to oil degradation/absence of causing uncontrolled vehicle handling and fire. this would put myself and others at risk. it has been diagnosed at dealership. complaint narrative: the subject vehicle is experiencing its third total engine failure due to an inherent manufacturing and design defect, presenting a se

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2012 Hyundai Sonata 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering SONATA, SONATA HYBRID. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.