10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
10 / 56
Injuries / Deaths:
13 / 0
Average Mileage:
59,875 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Hyundai Sonata engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Hyundai Sonata Owner Comments (Page 7 of 26)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #381

Dec 122020

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My car stopped in December 2020. The dealer replaced the engine under a recall campaign. Eight months later the engine light is still on. The dealership has done countless diagnosis of the issues and still cannot resolve it. The latest error message is engine error code P0076. I am still awaiting the part to fix the engine light being on. However, the fuel consumption has increased. I drive short distances and now the fuel indicator moves each day I drive the car. Won't buy this brand again.

- St Thomas, VI, USA

problem #380

Aug 212021

Sonata

  • miles
The Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) detects vibrations indicating the onset of excessive connecting rod bearing wear on a 2012 Hyundai Sonata that only has 70,000 miles on it.

- Guilderland, NY, USA

problem #379

Jul 232021

Sonata

  • 108,073 miles
The contact's mother owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed however, there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The failure recurred two weeks after the contact's mother received the vehicle back from the dealer. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer and diagnosed with engine failure and that an engine replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,073.

- Troy, MO, USA

problem #378

Jul 142021

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

UNKNOWN: On July 14th, 2021, I was driving approx. 45mph on the Expressway when I felt the car losing a little power, I looked at the speedometer and noticed (no warning lights where on) the speed was going down slowly as I was attempting to accelerate, the car would not go past 20mph. Then all the sudden I lost all controls of the car (the car stalled) I was not able to steer or brake, the car had stalled in the middle of the parkway, it was a very dangerous situation, so many cars came within inches of hitting me. I was able to finally restart the car and get it to the side of the road and then it stalled again. This time when I attempted to restart the car I noticed there was smoke coming from under the hood and the would not start, at that point I called for help. The car was towed to my mechanic and he determined the engine was seized. (see attached pdf) Car is available for inspection.

- Bellmore, NY, USA

problem #377

May 232021

Sonata

  • miles
I have provided this information already, case number 11424760. I am now submitting further documentation on this safety issue. There was a recall notice from Hyundai, for whatever reason, this was changed to not include our vehicle. We never heard back about the solution & they no longer will replace the engine.

- Little Falls, MN, USA

problem #376

Jul 082021

Sonata

  • miles
These are known for engine failure which has already happened to me summer of 2019. The first time Murdock of Murray gave me a hard time replacing the engine even though it was a recall they tried over charging for other repairs that supposedly lead to the seized engine. Murdock also told me the turbo on the vehicle would need time to adjust and kick in with turbo the coils needed to get oil in them for the turbo to work properly. After fixing engine the turbo never was the same but Murdock insisted nothing was wrong. Now 25k miles later again the vehicle is on the verge of seized engine. While in traffic at 5pm ish, I turned left and as I was turning my vehicle would not accelerate, I heard a crackling noise and the check engine light came on but the car was still running all power but would not accelerate over 20mph with the rpm flooring. I immediately thought it-€™s happening the engine is seizing. Remind you this was the second time this happened. I almost died twice in this vehicle both times with my children in the car. I called Murdock to ask if they would tow the vehicle they told me no I would need to pay out of pocket, so I did, bc the vehicle would not accelerate. Once I got my car to the dealership already the technician seemed annoyed by my prediction with the engine on the verge of seizing. After a few days of the technicians looking over my car he claims I must pay for repairs and blamed me when these engines have been recalled by Hyundai. I then reached out to Hyundai corporate national consumers for assistance and they were just as bad. I was told there-€™s nothing I can do until a case manager calls me but they will let them know about this issue. No one has contacted me. The fact that Hyundai is trying to find ways to not cover their faulty death trap vehicles and the dealership is right behind them on giving customers a hard time replacing the recall without causing all the stress and over charging. Hyundai should be ashamed of themselves.

- West Jordan, UT, USA

problem #375

Jul 152021

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving the car turn off and I could start it on again. On dashboard I had battery warning, low oil and check engine light on. We towed the car hone and next day we checked the oil and in general what-€™s going on. We manage to start the car but the engine was making a knocking sound and won-€™t stop. We can-€™t drive the car because it will turn off.

- Riverhead, NY, USA

problem #374

May 232021

Sonata

  • miles
Entered a freeway on-ramp, the engine started to make a slapping noise. I thought it was the fan belt slipping. We began to lose acceleration, had a burning smell We pulled off and had the vehicle towed. Subsequently we discovered that the issue was exactly that which appeared in a published recall notice: Symptoms of the problem can include abnormal knocking noises from the engine; reduced power or hesitation; illumination of the -€œcheck engine-€ light or the engine oil-pressure warning light; or a burning smell, oil leaks, or smoke. In discussing with Hyundai, it was stated that my VIN does not meet a full reimbursement due to the VIN not being included. How is that possible, when the symptoms match the year, Make, model. https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/hyundai-recalls-almost-129000-cars-in-u-s-for-possible-premature-engine-wear

- Little Falls, MN, USA

problem #373

May 202021

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 84,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the engine ceased with the hybrid system warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where she was informed that the engine failed due to a disconnected rod bearing. The contact was informed that the engine needed replacement. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine). The contact was then informed that the vehicle would be serviced under the recall however, the dealer had not replaced the engine due to the manufacturer sending multiple incorrect engines. The contact notified the manufacturer on numerous occasions about the failure and was provided, two case managers. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000. Consumer stated engine still has not arrived and has been without a vehicle for 3 months now.

- Takoma Park, MD, USA

problem #372

Jul 092021

Sonata

  • miles
On 05/26/21 this vehicle was taken to crown Hyundai for an engine recall and was not running. In fact, since purchased at the auction it has never ran more than 30 feet then suts off. Tech said, computer responded with a faulty wheel sensor, a dead battery, and fault ABS sensor. I picked up the car and put new battery in it, and a left rear wheel sensor and reported by Hyundai. Our mechanic said take back to Hyundai to reset the ABS sensor, so ON06/24/21 we did return the vehicle to crown Hyundai and was tolk now they could not set the sensor as the battery was the wrong type, now a code for a flap door and an allegation of the vehicle being wrecked in the front end causing door damage. My right headlight has always been loose but no damage. Now the computer says the door plap and front bumper damage is causing 30 more defaults to pop up my wrecker driver will tell you the car was not driving but would start and move until sensor shut down. Now it will not start or move and more sensors are being shown.. service manager said, , I cannot tell you not to fix it, but there are more codes poping up now... there is something wrong with this picture... he said he has several more hydrid's sitting in the back that also show many codes.

- Pinellas Park, FL, USA

problem #371

Jun 072021

Sonata

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Recall 198. Dealership has had my car for over 30 days. NO LOANER OR RENTAL!!!

- Enfield, CT, USA

problem #370

Mar 212021

Sonata

  • miles
Our 2012 Hyundai Sonata's engine failed with no warning lights our any sounds indicating possible problems. It failed while driving and immediately stalled which could have easily caused an accident. We are the original owners of the vehicle and all recalls had been completed with the engine having been looked at as part of a recall several years ago. The mileage was around 121,000 and Hyundai has taken care of replacing the engine. We are still waiting on them to reimburse us for towing related to the incident four months after our car broke down.

- Ankeny, IA, USA

problem #369

Jun 132021

Sonata 4-cyl

  • miles
Dear To Whom It May Concern, My cars VIN: [XXX] There is a recall (NHTSA Recall Number20V746000) that I found on this website for my car that the dealership below is claiming is not correct and will not work on. Springfield Hyundai Address: 754 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, PA 19064 My car has been having engine issue even after it getting services at another Hyundai Dealership Service Center. Engine overheats and smoke came out several times. Not it is jerking while I drive - loosing power. I barely was able to get the car to the service, that is how bad the state of the engine is at the moment. Initially when I took the car to the service center they said there is no recall at all on my car, even though the Hyundai customer service agent acknowledged the recall I mentioned above. After some push back from me, the service agent at the center said there was a recall but not the one I mention above a different one. I would really appreciate some help getting the recall above sorted out. Thank you in advance. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #368

Apr 192021

Sonata

  • miles
Spun rod bearing in recalled vehicle. Had recall inspected at the dealership as per the recall. Dealership said everything was fine. Engine failure due to recalled parts and dealership will not cover.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #367

May 272021

Sonata

  • miles
I was driving on the Highway and my vehicle started blinking with all of the check lights going off and it stated -€œhybrid system warning stop and pull over immediately-€. The car seemed to continue to jerk with the gas than the brakes went off. My steering wheel would not allow my to turn and I was very close to getting into an accident. My 6 month old baby was in the car and I feared for both of our lives. Every time I turn the car on it states the same thing... please help

- Kihei , HI, USA

problem #366

Mar 082021

Sonata

  • 117,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15V568000 (engine). The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

- Boaz, AL, USA

problem #365

Mar 192021

Sonata

  • 110,000 miles
The car uses oil and the oil light does not come on when the oil is low.

- Sikeston, MO, USA

problem #364

Mar 152021

Sonata

  • miles
So I went to Hyundai dealership in mckinney tx (huffines Hyundai mckinney) and showed them the recall that I received from your website, that says the connecting rod bearings need to be replaced and that was requested by manufacturer, and if I don't replace them the engine may get damage and this is safety risk, the dealership refused to fix this recall and said that recall not ready to be repaired as it is not listed in Hyundai website!! can you please help to find a dealership to fix this recall as it is very risk and I don't want my engine to be damaged!

- Princeton, TX, USA

problem #363

Mar 152021

Sonata

  • miles
So I went to Hyundai dealership in mckinney tx (huffines Hyundai mckinney) and showed them the recall that I received from your website, that says the connecting rod bearings need to be replaced and that was requested by manufacturer, and if I don't replace them the engine may get damage and this is safety risk, the dealership refused to fix this recall and said that recall not ready to be repaired as it is not listed in Hyundai website!! can you please help to find a dealership to fix this recall as it is very risk and I don't my engine to be damaged!

- Princeton, TX, USA

problem #362

Apr 082021

Sonata

  • 158,000 miles
I was in motion on the interstate and service engine light popped on and it was told it ended up being the camshaft. On my way to shop the next day my car cut off on the interstate and everything worked but car would not crank. Was told it was engine. I had no warning and yes my oil had been changed.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

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