2012 Hyundai Sonata complaints

Check engine light comes on, brake system malfunction warning message appears and says to pull over, vehicle goes into limp mode. Hyundai dealership says $150 to diagnose problem.

Active air lap warning. Active air flap malfunction.

On July 8th 2024 I was driving my already troubled 2012 Hyundai Sonata when I started to smell strong odor of unburnt gasoline which immediately had my red flags go up, I safely pulled off the roadway and opened the hood and the fumes got stronger and stronger, I removed the plastic top engine cover to discover the foam on the underside of the plastic cover was sopping wet with gasoline, and witnessed what appears to be some sort of line or horse carrying fuel to the high pressure fuel pump squirting out gasoline right on to the hot manifold which immediately panicked me and i put tue plastic engine cover back over the top of the squirting fuel line. It comes directly off of the front of the fuel pump with a quick connect plastic hose that seems to have become brittle from the constant heat cool cycles of the engine compartment. I immediately unplugged the car battery negative and was able to gather some disposable towels I had handy in the trunk and was able to place them atop the squirting fuel line and below it as well. But the entire area that houses the spark plugs was full of gasoline and far too much fuel for me to mop up with the towels I had on hand. This is very concerning to me that a plastic hose and connector would be used in such a scenario seeing as how common sense would tell you that over time plastic will become brittle especially with a heating cooling cycle, and I find it even more disturbing that upon contacting the dealership that I was informed that my

Emergency brake started engaging while the car is in motion. Usually, 10-15 minutes after starting the car. We were told the hydraulik brake booster pump needs to be replaced. The car is at only 60K miles.

The hybrid warning system came on. The ready light is blinking and beeping. The car is jerking

The car has been meticulously maintained — I am glad to provide all records of regular service upon request — and lovingly cared for. It came to us in great shape. Until, that is, I drove it for the first time and the brakes failed. I rolled into an intersection. Luckily, there was no traffic and no one was harmed. But I had a very helpless feeling, and I feel incredibly grateful no one was hurt. After taking the vehicle to two mechanics, they independently confirmed that a sensor in the ABS module was failing, leading to a sudden loss of braking. After a cursory internet search, I found that many owners of this model and year of vehicle have encountered this dangerous problem.

Engine stalled in middle of the road while travelling. It put me in danger of getting into an accident. Tried getting appointment with dealership and nonappointments available for next 30 days. No warnings before the failure.

Airbag clock springs module malfunction disabling emergency deployment of the driver’s side airbag in the event of a collision. My 2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.0 Turbo with 93,336 miles on it, ending seized up going at highway speed causing instant and complete loss of power. Smoke started coming out from under the front engine compartment hood making me think the car was on fire. Trying to get the car manuvered off the highway and over to the right side of the road I was almost involved in a collision with other traffic. I was scared almost to death. Hyundai Motor America is now refusing to repair my vehicle even though it is covered under their extend warranty.

There is a widespread issue with the 2012 Hyundai Sonata hybrid transmissions failing as driver's are driving resulting in extremely dangerous and life threatening situations. It is hazardous for drivers, passengers, and other vehicles on the road. I was driving my 2012 Hyundai Sonata hybrid on an expressway when with zero warning the car stopped driving. I easily could have had a car slam into me from behind at a high rate of speed. This was when the car had 79,672 miles on it. The transmission was replaced by Hyundai under warranty. The second transmission on the vehicle has now failed with only 84,984 miles on that transmission. This time, once again, no warning. No engine lights came on or anything. My car began to stop driving on a main highway with a large line of cars behind me. Once again causing a hazardous dangerous condition for me and others. This time, I was able to get to the side of the road. So not only was I in danger while driving and the car failed with zero warning, I was stranded on the side of the road with my very young child in the car. A transmission failing with zero warning with a mother and young child stranded on the side of the road is a secondary hazard to the possibility of us having been hit by a driver behind us as the transmission failed. There are many forums and reports of people having transmission failures with this make and model. Others specifically shared how dangerous of a position it also put them in with no warning. One other gentl

On the morning of April 15, 2024, at around 6 a.m., our 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid unexpectedly caught fire and exploded in front of our house. This incident occurred shortly after I started the car and left it to warm up. Smoke and flames emerged from under the hood, quickly escalating until the front of the vehicle exploded, shattering the windows and extensively damaging the driver and passenger sides. Previously, we had noticed a fuel odor emanating from the hood, which we suspected was related to a known fuel recall issue. We brought the vehicle to the manufacturer's attention, hoping for a resolution under the recall. Unfortunately, the manufacturer did not address the fuel smell as part of the recall services and instead billed us for unrelated repairs. This oversight on their part raises serious concerns about the safety and reliability of the recall process and the manufacturer's accountability in ensuring the safety of their vehicles.

Airbags light shows up on the dashboard one day and it won’t go away, I was just driving and it came on. No collision has occurred causing airbag light to come on.

The engine failed causing my steering and breaks to lock up on the interstate going 70mph surrounded by 18 wheelers, which was a total surprise as my car had no warning lamps on. Fortunately, I was able to guide my Hyundai safely to the side of the highway where I waited 5 hours for a tow truck. After leaving my car at Hyundai for 3 weeks due to an engine recall I was totally unaware of, they informed me they will not approve a new engine due to lack of service history? The only this lacking in my s"service history" are a few oil changes which I did myself due to the engine burning so much oil due to the recall. After eight years in the military as a mechanic I'm pretty sure I can handle an oil change on a sedan. Hyundai also refused to put me in a loaner for any of this process. [XXX] informed me that "my vehicle was effected by the sonata engine connecting rod bearing inspection campaign. Additionally, the warranty coverage for the engines short block assembly (consisting of the engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings, and pistons). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While i was driving after picking up my daughters from school the car start giving me a hybrid system warning and a brake message on the dash with brakes not working properly so i stop and get the car tow to my mechanic it was scary since i have my 2 daughter with me my mechanic said the problem is the HECU AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT he tell me there is a recall #251 I call the dealer but they said only cover a fuse no the actual defected part that doesn't make sense I seen a lot of complain of this part going bad hopefully Hyundai do something to make right and fix the actual problem and dont put life on risk like happen to me and my daughters

Vehicle’s dash panel just started cracking three years ago for no apparent reason. By the day the cracks continue. My concern is over time the cracks will become so bad the air bag will deploy prematurely causing injury. This is a known issue in Hyundai Sonata from 2011-2014. This is not due to extreme heat. This is a defect and should be addressed before someone gets seriously hurt.

I was driving. The tailpipes started smoking I checked engine oil and it was almost empty. No check engine light came on. The engine could have locked up on me on a state hwy that has a 60mph limit! No warning light. No low oil light. No lights came on at all ever. The car still doesn't have any light on but has oil consumption like I've never experienced. The engine was replaced in 2019 and only has about 63,000 miles on it.

The front dashboard panel that protects the passenger side airbag has cracked in several different places. These cracks have created pieces with sharp and pointed edges that may cause injuries to face, eyes and upper body of the passenger in case of an airbag deployment.

Saying check brakes and safely pull over hybrid battery failure

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that after parking in the driveway and turning the vehicle off, the husband exited the vehicle and walked around to the passenger side. After opening the front passenger-side door, the vehicle erroneously rolled backward down the driveway and crashed into a tree. During the incident, the husband was knocked to the ground and dragged 20 feet down the driveway. During the incident, the husband sustained a head bruise and laceration, an injured leg, and an injured arm. The front passenger also sustained bruised ribs, a head and left knee injury from the vehicle crashing into a tree. Both persons required medical treatment. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V434000(Power Train). The failure mileage was 112,000.

Brake light appeared intermittently while I'm in the middle of traffic.my vehicle's hybrid system warning light came on aside from the brake light and tells me to pull over and not to drive the vehicle.i towed my car to the dealership for inspection.after inspection done ,the service advisor tells me that they need to change the abs module due to possible internal leaking besides the fuse.they quoted me $3574.71 to fix the abs module excluding other brake components.i asked them to change the fuse only.Abs problem and brake light are still on and vehicle is not drivable.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact replaced the battery, but the vehicle failed to restart. After numerous attempts, the vehicle was able to restart but the failure recurred, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Air bag light will not go off and has not been inspected by dealership. I was out here checking for any recall. I am in Texas and can not get inspection/registration with this light on. Also I have front light out on driver side front and back, I have had to change bulbs several times have even replaced brake light assembly back in 2022 and light is burned out again as of right not 4/2024 dealership says that extended warranty will not be covered for burnt out brake lights because of aftermarket part. I have also a case with BBB auto and at this date 4/10/2024 no response.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that there was a large crack on the dashboard. The contact was unaware of what caused the crack on the dashboard. The dealer was informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

•brake failure •this has happened at indiscriminate times including the highway, suddenly the car tells me to stop driving and the brakes don’t work as they should, no telling this would happen until it occurs. When pressing brakes, a loud noise rumbles through the car and I am no longer able to drive at any speed higher than 5 mph (an issue for being on the road) risk of possible collision as this happens suddenly and gives short time to take action •UKNOWN •was inspected by local dealer, they said it was the primary pressure sensor which is a part of the Hydraulic brake booster pump. They wanted to replace the entire hydraulic unit even though it was only the sensor that was faulty and it would cost me $3,503.61 which is an ABSURD price for an electrical issue that I did not see coming at all and it is a robbery of regular people who need their cars to get to the places they need to be (work and family) this is NOT a luxury, I need my car •no warning signs or lights until the issue actually occurred. The only light that showed was the ABS lights, maybe it’s linked to the recall about the brake fluid leaking causing fires?

Approx one year post engine replacement, and 2 weeks prior turbo system replacement, I am having major issues with my sonatait struggles to stay started, it always hesitates and doesn't want to move when I press accelerator, shakes jolts and shudders, the smell of burning oil comes thru the vents and even smoke comes out from under the vehicle. The engine is leaking masses amounts of oil that seem to be leaking from all over the under carriage and half way to the back underneath the car, oil is in the wheel wells, and even splashed on the rims, the spark plugs are covered in oil, huge plums of white and dark smoke come out of the tailpipes, literally blinding anyone behind me, press the accelerator to the floor and it just shudders and smokes even more, check engine light is on and states malfunctioning turbo system, boost pressure sensor malfunction, sluggish will not gain speed, oil within the turbo blow by hose and in intake hose area, now I have coolant pouring out and the reservoir the coolant will be literally boiling. This is not good at all especially after a year post engine replacement and turbo replacement. When the car is started I push start and car struggles to start the starter keeps screeching and car shudders for a good 45 seconds before it either dies out or finally starts. This vehicle should be a lemon and bought back regardless of age condition etc. A vehicle after engine replacement of only one year should not be pouring oil out of the engine, failed hea

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine). The vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 152,000.

The brake lights keep going off, they have been replaced several times. The passenger airbag deployed on a stop sign and cracked the entire windshield. The steering wheel feels like it’s going to come off. Please help

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 65 MPH, an abnormal knocking noise began to emit from the vehicle as the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle began to lose power as the contact's daughter coasted the vehicle into a parking lot. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V568000 (Engine) which was linked to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.

2012 Hyundai Sonata engine ceased on [XXX] heading west away from Dallas, Texas on [XXX] leaving my young daughter stranded in the middle of nowhere on her way to Lubbock Texas. Daughter had car towed by AAA to the closest Hyundai dealer and Hyundai dealer did not advise daughter that recalled engine due to known failures that been replaced in or about 2011 at approx 60,000 miles was an engine known to fail post engine replacement and expected to fail again within approximately 50-60,000 miles oats replacement engine had same issues as original recalled engine. Daughter sold car as junk for $200 to service guy at shop not knowing engine could be replaced. Dealers are not being forthcoming about replacing the engine. In this particular Hyundai Sonata, which, even though was replaced, previously, was known and expected to fail again according to service people. Hyundai needs to be held accountable for this issue and not just brush off the problem and not make it public that all these cars should be recalled. Daughter could’ve been hurt on the interstate and we’re fortunate. She was not hurt but she was very frightened by the ordeal, forced to purchase a new car as she was told her car could not be repaired by repair shop, at great expense, and great stress and frightening experience for young girl. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My engine has locked up at 60,000 miles . I got the car when it was only 30,000 miles on it back in Jan 2021. It locked up on me in Oct 2022. I took it to the Carolina Hyundai dealership . Corporate will not help me get the engine fixed because of the first owner not keeping up with the oil changes . But I did my part in keeping up with the vehicle maintenance. I even tried filing this with BBB Auto but it went in their favor . All because I could not get the information for the maintenance of the vehicle that happened 2012-2016. Due to privacy and security reasons . Auto shops will not release what was done on the vehicle and some was not reporting to CarFax then when the car was owned by the first owner . Please help .

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the passenger's side headlight was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the headlight bulb socket had failed, and the mechanic determined that the passenger's side headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for a goodwill repair. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

My vehicle sometimes stops on the highway. I get the alert hybrid system warning, do not drive. The dealership was charging over $8000 to fix the problem. They even told me they don't know if the problem will be solved after changing my oil pump

My sonata 2012 the engine was replaced it seized up on the highway. since then ive had multiple issues; 1. my brake pedal seems to get pulled to the floor all the way at random times i have to pump the brake for it to release itself. 2. ive replaced the purge valve 3 going on 4 times as well as the cadilac converter due to it being clogged. 3. my car is so loud it makes a hissing noise and a winding sound people say its my transmission going out but no one can pinpoint the problem. 4. my brake lights and head lights go out all the time been replaced bout 100 times. lights on the dash r on; airbag, check engine tire pressure . please i need my vehicle looked over by a professional and or help replacing these issues ASAP

Hyundai states this vehicle may catch fire while parked or while driving. They have advised not parking inside due to fire risk. We do not feel safe driving the vehicle any more than on local low speed city streets, as it might be impossible to safely pull over should it catch fire while driving at high speeds on a highway. We have been waiting months for Hyundai to fix this, cannot get a straight answer as to when that will happen. They have refused to provide a loaner or rental car, so we are currently stuck with a car that is close to completely useless and apparently presents a fire hazard even while sitting in our driveway. Can NHTSA assist?

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Hybrid Warning System: Safely Stop and Do Not Drive. Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I lost complete control of braking when the alarm went off, the brake pedal went to the floor, made a grinding sound, was driving at a slow speed and able to pull over and stop the car. Turned car of and turned back on alert went away, slowing started driving and alert returned and loss of brake Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Car is currently at a Hyundai dealership being evaluated, they are unable to reproduce error as of today 1/26/2024 Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not as of today. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? 1/24/2024 this was the 1st time this error occured.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond intermittently. The contact was unaware if any warning lights had been illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.

It has been 4 months that I was instructed to park vehicle outside. This is frustrating. I think they should replace the Module and get it over with.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that he purchased the vehicle and noticed that the dashboard was severely cracked. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed about similar failures with 2011-2014 vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,696.

Sitting in parking lot with car running in park and passenger airbag deployed with person sitting in the passenger seat. No injury to passenger but windshield broke and driver seatbelt will not move now.

The power steering has failed to work on multiple occasions and I’m worried that it may happen during a tight manuver and possibly cause a wreck. This is very dangerous. When this power steering stops working it is way harder to turn than a car with no power at all.

The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately stop, causing the stopping distance to be extended. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

I noticed a clicking noise when pressing and releasing the brake pedal that had not been there before. I started hearing that sound 3-5 days ago. After driving to pick up food I noticed smoke coming from the engine area then the car burst into flames. The fire depress called a they put out the fire.

Several times a week I get "Hybrid System Warning. Check Brakes" that comes with red flashing light on the dash and beeping noise. When I turn the car off, give it a few seconds and restart the car, it goes away. It has mostly been happening when I am parked so it is not an issue to shut it off and restart. Two days ago, this happened while I have driving on the street and when I applied the brakes, it went down to the floor with grinding noise. I was going about 35 MPH and no cars in front of me so I was able to come to a stop on the street with hazards on. I turned off the car, restarted it and the issue went away. I have researched this online and it looks like many people are having the same issue. Many have taken their vehicle to the dealer to get the issue fixed and the dealer is unable to fix the issue because they cannot recreate the problem. I am afraid that this might lead into an accident and feel like something that Hyundai should do a recall on.

I started financing my 2012 Hyundai in 2019. Feb of 2021 the vehicle stopped without any warning. I paid to get the vehicle towed to Brandon Hyundai in which the did replace the engine and the starter free of charge. I was able to continue to drive my vehicle everything seemingly fine. Fast forward to late 2023 the engine light is back on, I’ve taken my vehicle to Hyundai dealership several times relating to the engine light being on each time having nothing resolved in regards to this matter with Hyundai stating theres no one there who’re able to inspect the engine. My oil light has remained on for a number of months in 2023 I’ve had to get an oil change several times this year and Hyundai isn’t able to explain as to why the vehicle isn’t retaining oil.12/15/23 around 11 pm the vehicle began to make an unfamiliar noise, stall, jerk and not accelerate. I am now unable to drive my vehicle and have to loss hope in my vehicles reliability and most importantly my safety.

The headlights and rear break lights keep going out, we have changed the bulbs multiple times and they keep burning out and not within months it happens within weeks the bulbs completely burn out which has caused us to be stopped by police and given warnings. The headlights look very dim when on which as well have been changed but still give a dim look. The engine has given out, the last time driving the vehicle was a 60 mile road which it lost velocity momentum and the engine light turned on then it completely shut off almost crashing into a light post.

Alarm started and Hybrid brake check warning instructed to pull over and do not drive. This happened while driving down the road. The car lost power and would not accelerate. The brakes were gone and were making a grinding noise.

The ABS (Antilock Brake System) or BMS ( Brake Module System) warning light illumination came on flashing “DO NOT DRIVE “ and the brakes sieze-up making it impossible to drive. Key Hyundai in Jacksonville previously charged me $2600 to replace the BMS and within warranty. A few months later the same company charged me another $342.56 to diagnose the same issue. I had to rent a car for $700 while in the service repair department. Key Hyundai was unable to fix my 2012 Sonata hybrid except offering me a replacement hybrid battery and control system for $12,900. I declined. I believe that the campaign 251 involves this problem. I had to get the car towed to another mechanic that is currently working on the vehicle.

This vehicle and many other same vehicles around the same year are experiencing HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE for no reason and when this happens the car shuts down and has almost caused multiple accidents by shutting down immediately and not driving. This vehicle has a brand new motor, transmission and battery.

Illumination of the malfunction indicator lamp and/or ABS (Anti-lock brake system) light. My 2012 Sonata Hybrid has been towed twice to Key Hyundai dealer in Jacksonville, FL. They charged me several thousand dollars and the vehicle ABS lamp remains illuminated. The dealership did not offer me alternative transportation and I feel unsafe driving the vehicle. On Friday November 12th they blamed the brake lamp illumination on the Hybrid main battery and gave me an estimate of $12,900.00 to replace the battery. The first time I took the vehicle in for this problem my vehicle was still under 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. My car has approximately only 35,000 miles driven. They did not honor the warranty. This is a brake issue not a battery issue.

Check engine lights on and says “Warning do not drive the hybrid brakes may fail do not drive “.

Seat belt unbuckles from base. This was a recall for sonatas but ours is having this problem but it says it is not a part of the recall