1,556 owner complaints filed with the United States safety regulator · top issue: Engine · verdict AVOID 5/100
“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”NHTSA complaint, 2012 Hyundai Sonata owner
“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!”NHTSA complaint, 2012 Hyundai Sonata owner
“UNKNOWN Car was driving fine no warning lights and the car died. tried to stat back up and engine wiring harness on top of motor caught on fire.”NHTSA complaint, 2012 Hyundai Sonata owner
| Reported | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 28/12/2018 | Engine | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2013-2014 Santa Fe Sport vehicles previously repaired under recall numbers 15V-568 and 17V-226. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the |
| 04/10/2017 | Seat Belts:Pretensioner SAFETY | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles previously repaired under recall campaign 17V-152. The seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach f |
| 27/02/2018 | Seat Belts:Pretensioner SAFETY | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. On February 27, 2018, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) notified NHTSA that they were recalling 154,753 model y |
| 08/03/2017 | Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage SAFETY | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Sonata and 2011-2015 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the seat belt linkages for both front seat belts may detach from the seat belt anchor |
| 16/11/2015 | Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch SAFETY | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is releas |
| 10/09/2015 | Engine | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, to April 12, 2012 at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama and equipped with either a 2.0 liter or 2 |
| 18/07/2014 | Power Train:Automatic Transmission | Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Sonata vehicles manufactured December 11, 2009, through May 29, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable may detach from from |
| 24/07/2012 | Air Bags:Side/Window SAFETY | Hyundai is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Hyundai Sonata passenger cars, manufactured from January 24, 2012, through June 21, 2012. The curtain side airbags on these vehicles may inflate without deployment comma |
On the federal record it scores 5/100: 1,556 owner complaints (111.14 per year on the road) and 8 recall campaigns, 5 touching safety-critical systems.
The most-reported component in NHTSA complaints is Engine, with 567 of 1570 categorised reports.
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata scored 5/100 on the federal record.