Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Save products icon

Other Membership Benefits:

Savings icon Exclusive Deals for Members Best time to buy icon Best Time to Buy Products Recall tracker icon Recall & Safety Alerts TV screen optimizer icon TV Screen Optimizer and more
    GREEN CHOICE

    Hyundai Sonata

    EPA MPG: 26 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Sonata will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2022, 2023, and 2024 models.

    The 2012 Hyundai Sonata has been recalled 8 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Hyundai Sonata owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "air conditioning became ineffective, and we live in the California central valley with multiple days above 105 degrees. the expense for a new unit was prohibitive for awhile, so we did not use the car during daylight hours, until we could afford the repair expense."

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "AC works intermittently on city streets, tends to fail when at a full stop/ traffic light. We live in the humid South so this is not fun. Its ok on highways sometimes"

    Anonymous, GA (2012 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Blower (fan) motor

    "Blower acted intermittently. Shop did a minor adjustment and no further problem"

    Anonymous, VA (2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Other climate system problem

    "The car burns oil and has for a long time dealership unable to solve this Have to constantly check oil levels"

    Anonymous, GA (2012 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Just discovered in the last week."

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Calipers

    "The pistons in the front calipers corroded heavily, requiring all calipers to be replaced"

    Anonymous, IL (2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Premature brake wear

    "After installing new brake, the brakes seem to work out very quickly within 6000 miles on the front the back brakes get anywhere from 12 to 15,000."

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Since the beginning, the brakes have always ware prematurely."

    Anonymous, QC (2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Rotors

    "Vibration when braking. Needed to replace the rotors."

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Exhaust leaks

    "There is an exhaust leak that we can't find, but you sit idling, small amounts enter the cabin of the car."

    Anonymous, CT (2012 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other exhaust system problem

    "Exhaust pipe after the catalytic converter has some type of screen inside it, which loosens up and falls apart, but does not leave the exhaust system just rattles around. Dealership said not to worry about it. Norco muffler said the cost of repair is expensive should be covered under some type of exhaust warranty."

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other/unsure

    "airbags. Though they never deployed, they needed replacing"

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Door handle

    "Interior door handle broke off"

    Anonymous, DE (2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Doors or sliding doors

    "RF door mechanism has failed. Door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle."

    Anonymous A., AZ (2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Seat controls - power

    "the drivers seat controls don't always work, so you might be stuck in a seat position that does not work for you."

    Anonymous, CT (2012 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Horn

    "Horn stopped working"

    Anonymous, DE (2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Interior lights

    "The overhead lamp control near the windshield is defective. The switch the causes lamps to work is worn out. This is a common problem and how to repair is shown on YouTube."

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Tire pressure monitor

    "too expensive to get fixed and we just ignore the light being on. We do manually check the tire pressure weekly."

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "engine stopped working , was replaced under warranty from hyundai"

    Anonymous, NJ (2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Hyundai refused to honor a Federal Safety Recall to replace the engine. They used delaying/stalling tactics and lied to try to get us to take the vehicle off their hands without doing the work putting our lives in danger."

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Extended warranty covers the engine for life. Engine seized up and was replaced by the dealer at 165000 miles"

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel gauge/sender

    "Fuel gauge stopped working."

    Anonymous A., OR (2012 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Fuel pump

    "Check engine light on, due to small fuel evap system leak. Eventually diagnosed to be leak at fuel pump joint in fuel tank"

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "The manual clutch master cylinder malfunctioned and had to be replaced"

    Anonymous, LA (2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "The car started sounding as if it was not shifting into a higher gear as I drove. We took it to a car repair service that we trusted and they said it was the transmission and that it would probably have to be rebuilt. They referred us to another shop but we got several more opinions and ended up going to Gary's Tranmissions in Katy TX. They said the problem was the harness but because the tranmission was so old (12 years) that they would only rebuild it not attempt to repair the harness."

    Anonymous A., TX (2012 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "because of oil leak, had to replace cylinder head cover"

    Anonymous A., GA (2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Started last summer. Need to replace valve cover gasket."

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    "Noise like flexing from the sun roof"

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Rattle/knocking fro front suspension - dealer still unable to diagnose"

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    CV joint

    "The outer CV boot on the driver's side failed. It wasn't punctured by an object. Instead, it began to crack and "weep" grease from these small cracks. I ended up replacing the entire axle"

    Anonymous, IL (2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Tie rods

    "Drivers outer tie rod failed ball joint"

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission sensor or solenoid

    "Oil temperature sensor failed"

    Anonymous, NH (2012 Hyundai Sonata Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    "We have never been able to pair a phone or other device. Voice Commands and Steering Wheel controls have not worked either. Hyundai refused to fix the problem for 12 years."

    Anonymous, FL (2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "Bumper skin pulled loose from curb and many paint chips on front and roof line above windshield"

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Starter

    "Starter has to be changed after approx 130000 km. My Jetta still have the original starter after 220000 km. Many Hyundai parts do not have a good life expectancy ompared to VW."

    Anonymous, QC (2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01
    02
    03
    04
    05
    06*
    07
    08
    09
    10
    11*
    12
    13
    14
    15*
    16
    17
    18
    19
    20*
    21
    22
    23
    24
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Dec 28, 2018
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V934000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 150730
    AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS
    Feb 27, 2018
    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.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V137000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 580058
    SEAT BELTS
    Oct 04, 2017
    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.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V617000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 443545
    SEAT BELTS
    Mar 08, 2017
    In the event of a crash, if the seat belts detach from the anchor pretensioners, it can increase the risk of injury.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V152000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 977778
    EXTERIOR LIGHTING
    Nov 16, 2015
    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.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V759000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 304900
    ENGINE
    Sep 10, 2015
    Engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V568000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 470000
    POWER TRAIN
    Jul 18, 2014
    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.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V434000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 883000
    AIR BAGS
    Jul 24, 2012
    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.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Hyundai's recall campaign number is 106.Customers may contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Vehicle Safety Administrations Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V352000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 29767
    Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Change Vehicle