Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2012 Hyundai Sonata: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists eight recall campaigns for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata: two for the engine (filed 2015 and 2018), two for air bags (filed 2012 and 2018), two for seat belts (filed 2017) and two more for other parts. Owners have filed 1,557 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the engine and the steering. For comparison, owners filed 3,376 for the 2011 and 1,911 for the 2013 Sonata. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall, with a 9.7% rollover risk.

Summary reviewed by Recalls & Safety Desk · Oct 6, 2026 How we write summaries Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 8campaigns 2 engine · 2 air bag · 2 seat belt Source: NHTSA Complaints 1,557filed Owner reports, 2008–2017 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 4★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 5★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 27mpg combined $2,419/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.4 L 4-cyl· 6-speed automatic 3 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (8)

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V934000 Filed Dec 28, 2018

High Pressure Fuel Pipe May Leak

Engine
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
61.2% repairedof 150,730 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V934000
Listed for 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V137000 Filed Feb 27, 2018

Air Bags/Seat Belt Pretensioners may be Disabled

Air bags
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
70.1% repairedof 580,058 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V137000
Listed for 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V617000 Filed Oct 4, 2017

Seat Belt Linkage Detaches from Pretensioner

Seat belts · front · anchorage
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
85.6% repairedof 443,545 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V617000
Listed for 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V152000 Filed Mar 8, 2017

Seat Belt Linkages may Detach

Seat belts · front · anchorage
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
67.1% repairedof 977,778 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V152000
Listed for 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V759000 Filed Nov 16, 2015

Brake Pedal Stopper Pad Deterioration

Exterior lighting · brake lights · switch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
77.5% repairedof 304,900 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V759000
Listed for 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V568000 Filed Sep 10, 2015

Connecting Rod Wear may Result in Engine Stall

Engine
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
76.7% repairedof 470,000 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V568000
Listed for 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V434000 Filed Jul 18, 2014

Transmission Shift Cable Detachment/Rollaway Risk

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
79.7% repairedof 883,000 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V434000
Listed for 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 12V352000 Filed Jul 24, 2012

Curtain Airbag Uncommanded Deployment

Air bags · side/window
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Repair progress not yet reported29,767 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V352000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Sonata years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Hyundai SonataAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (1,557)

1,557 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.

51involved a crash
95involved a fire
38injuries reported
1deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 1,557.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2012 compares with other Sonata years

Best and worst Sonata years →
425 460 345 3,376 1,557 1,911 746 1,146 726 764
2008200920102011201220132014201520162017
This year (2012)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 9.7%★★★★★
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2012 Hyundai Sonata 4 dr fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 27 mpg combined

27
mpg combined
24
city
34
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$2,500
CO₂ tailpipe
329 g/mi
EPA class
Large Cars

What it costs you to run

$2,419per year
$202per month
556gallons a year

Miles ÷ 27 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2012 Hyundai Sonata configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 27$2,500329
2.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive24 / 34 / 27$2,500329
2 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 26$2,600342

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2012 Sonata for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Sonata years

Where to next

Which Sonata years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2013 Hyundai Sonata report1,911 complaints · 9 campaigns →2011 Hyundai Sonata report3,376 complaints · 14 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2012 Hyundai Sonata FAQ

How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns: 18V934000 (engine), 18V137000 (air bag), 17V617000 (seat belt), 17V152000 (seat belt), 15V759000 (brake), 15V568000 (engine), 14V434000 (power train), 12V352000 (air bag). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2012 Hyundai Sonata problems?

Owners filed 1,557 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (567), Steering (301), Electrical system (234) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata get?

EPA rates the 2.4 L 4-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 24 city, 34 highway and 27 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2012 Hyundai Sonata get?

NHTSA rated the 2012 Hyundai Sonata 4 dr fwd 5 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 5 stars rollover (9.7% rollover risk).

How does the 2012 Sonata compare with other years?

Among the 2008–2017 Hyundai Sonata model years at least five years old, the 2010 drew the fewest complaints (345) and the 2011 the most (3,376). The 2012 drew 1,557. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
Report an errorMethodologyHow we use AI
Was this report useful?Report a data error
My Garage
Save this car and we'll flag new recall campaigns next time you visit.