2012 Hyundai Sonata
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 647 of 1,710 complaints (38%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 3,472 in 2011 to 1,710 in 2012.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | vs. 2012 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,500–2,850 | 1,750–2,400 | 1,750–2,400 | 1,700–2,400 | 1,700–2,600 | |
| Combined MPG | 22–25 | 26–36 | 26–36 | 26–37 | 24–37 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 19–22 / 29–32 | 22–34 / 32–39 | 22–34 / 33–39 | 22–35 / 33–38 | 21–35 / 31–38 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 355–404 | 247–342 | 247–342 | 242–342 | 242–361 | |
| Complaints filed | 345 | 3,472 | 1,710 | 2,016 | 771 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 17 | 11 | 11 | 8 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 19 | 122 | 53 | 101 | 32 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 117 | 100 | 101 | 41 | |
| Injuries reported | 19 | 90 | 40 | 86 | 38 | |
| Deaths reported | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have?
11 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata?
Engine: 647 of 1,710 NHTSA complaints (38%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata get?
EPA rates it 26–36 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Hyundai Sonata?
EPA estimates $1,750–$2,400 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 22 mpg (low) | 33 mpg (low) | 26 mpg (low) | $2,400 (high) | 342 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 24 mpg | 34 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 329 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 24 mpg | 34 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 329 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 6-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 34 mpg (high) | 39 mpg (high) | 36 mpg (high) | $1,750 (low) | 247 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 647 | 11 | 76 | 19 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 127 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 125 | 1 | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical | 257 | 3 | 33 | 8 | 0 |
| Brakes | 216 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 0 |
| Steering | 311 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 69 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 205 | 19 | 3 | 12 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 108 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 49 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 169 | 2 | 11 | 3 | 0 |
| Other | 144 | 5 | 11 | 3 | 1 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (11)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · Campaign 23V651000 · Sep 25, 2023
Defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
ENGINE · Campaign 20V746000 · Dec 2, 2020
Defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Veloster, 2012 Santa Fe, 2011-2013 Sonata Hybrid, and 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which over time can result in engine damage.
Consequence: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a new Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 198.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL · Campaign 20V393000 · Jul 6, 2020
Defect: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.
Consequence: An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.
ENGINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 18V934000 · Jan 31, 2019
Defect: 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 fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak from the pipe.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's recall number for this recall is 180.
AIR BAGS; AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER; AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE · Campaign 18V137000 · Mar 1, 2018
Defect: 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 year 2011 Sonata vehicles. On April 18, 2018, Hyundai expanded the recall to include an additional 425,305 model year 2012-2013 Sonata and 2011-2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying.
Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will install an external wire filter kit, free of charge. The recall began October 15, 2018. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 174.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · Campaign 17V617000 · Oct 5, 2017
Defect: 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 from the seat belt anchor pretensioners.
Consequence: If the seat belt linkage detaches from the seat belt anchorage, it can not properly restrain the occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will again verify the connection between the seat belt linkage and the pretensioner and additionally install a warning label to prevent future seat belt linkage detachment, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 169.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE · Campaign 17V152000 · Mar 9, 2017
Defect: 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 pretensioners.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners and dealers will inspect the connection between the seat belt linkages and the seat belt anchor pretensioners, repairing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 7, 2017. Owner's may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for the recall is 160.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · Campaign 15V759000 · Nov 16, 2015
Defect: 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 released.
Consequence: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to rearward following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad with an improved part, free of charge. The recall began on January 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059. Hyundai's number for this recall is 136.
ENGINE · Campaign 15V568000 · Sep 10, 2015
Defect: 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 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engine. In the affected vehicles, metallic debris may not have been fully removed during manufacturing of the engine crankshaft. If the debris was not completely removed, oil flow may be restricted through the connecting rod bearings, causing connecting rod damage. A worn connecting rod bearing will produce a metallic, cyclic knocking noise from the engine and possible engine failure.
Consequence: Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and replace the engine assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Hyundai Motor America will increase the warranty for the engine sub-assembly (short block) to 10 years/120,000 miles for both original and subsequent owners of 2011 and 2012 Sonatas manufactured at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama equipped with 2.0 liter and 2.4 liter Gasoline Direct injection engines. Interim notifications were mailed to owners starting on October 8, 2015. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-671-3059 or by visiting www.HyundaiUSA.com/Campaign132. Hyundai's number for this recall is 132.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · Campaign 14V434000 · Jul 18, 2014
Defect: 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 the shift lever pin.
Consequence: If the transmission shift cable detaches, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver parks the vehicle, despite selecting the 'PARK' position, the transmission may not be in 'PARK.' If the vehicle is not in the 'PARK' position and the parking brake is not applied, there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, repair the connection between the shift cable and shift lever, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 123.
Show 1 earlier campaign
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW · Campaign 12V352000 · Jul 25, 2012
Defect: 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 command due to an error during manufacturing.
Consequence: The curtain airbag may inflate without deployment command and increase the risk of injury to occupants of the vehicle. Additionally, an unexpected deployment would be a significant driver distraction and would limit the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Hyundai dealers will notify owners, and dealers will replace the curtain side airbags free of charge. This recall began on August 31, 2012. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151.