Recalls · problems · safety

2012 Hyundai Sonata: recalls and problems

11 recalls and 1,714 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

11recalls
1,714complaints
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

  • Engine636 · 37%
  • Steering304 · 18%
  • Electrical System241 · 14%
  • Service Brakes163 · 10%
  • Unknown Or Other137 · 8%
  • Air Bags136 · 8%
  • Exterior Lighting136 · 8%
  • Power Train125 · 7%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System104 · 6%
  • Vehicle Speed Control97 · 6%

What owners report

Engine

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 neutral and pushed the vehicle to a safe location. before the failure, the vehicle

Power Train,Engine

1. it spun a main rod bearing. it is at the hyundai dealership in evansville, in. 2. loss or power in roadway. 3.yes it has, by the dealership. 4.yes, by the manufacturer & the hyundai dealership. 5. yes, as i backed out onto the street all the dashboard lights came on and buzzers and alarms started going off. when i finally got the car in gear then i was able to drive it about 25 feet back into the driveway and i t

Electrical System

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 have been blocked from receiving this security fix since the campaign's rollout, l

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

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 2026-11-15.