Representative model. Photo: MercurySable99, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2012 Hyundai Sonata recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2012 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns: 11
Park-it warnings: 1
Complaints: 1,712
Latest campaign: Sep 22, 2023

Recall summary by component11

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

Component	Campaigns	Park‑it	Latest	Campaign IDs
Engine	3	–	Dec 1, 2020	20V746000 18V934000 15V568000
Seat belts	3	–	Feb 27, 2018	18V137000 17V617000 17V152000
Service brakes, hydraulic	1	1	Sep 22, 2023	23V651000
Equipment	1	–	Jul 2, 2020	20V393000
Exterior lighting	1	–	Nov 16, 2015	15V759000
Power train	1	–	Jul 18, 2014	14V434000
Air bags	1	–	Jul 24, 2012	12V352000

Safety recalls11

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

1Park-it warnings

0Fixable over the air

Sep 22, 2023Latest campaign


Sep 22, 202323V651000	Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip control unit/module An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Park outside, away from structures DetailsHide details for campaign 23V651000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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. Filed under Sonata Hybrid Campaign NHTSA 23V651000 · Sep 22, 2023
Dec 1, 202020V746000	Engine A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. DetailsHide details for campaign 20V746000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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. Filed under Sonata Hybrid Campaign NHTSA 20V746000 · Dec 1, 2020
Jul 2, 202020V393000	Equipment: electrical An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire. DetailsHide details for campaign 20V393000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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. Filed under Sonata Hybrid Campaign NHTSA 20V393000 · Jul 2, 2020
Dec 28, 201818V934000	Engine A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. DetailsHide details for campaign 18V934000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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. Filed under Sonata Campaign NHTSA 18V934000 · Dec 28, 2018
Feb 27, 201818V137000	Seat belts: pretensioner 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… DetailsHide details for campaign 18V137000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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. Filed under Sonata, Sonata Hybrid Campaign NHTSA 18V137000 · Feb 27, 2018
Oct 4, 201717V617000	Seat belts: pretensioner 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. DetailsHide details for campaign 17V617000 What's wrong 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. Risk 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. Filed under Sonata, Sonata Hybrid Campaign NHTSA 17V617000 · Oct 4, 2017

Merged from NHTSA model names: Sonata Hybrid, Sonata. Not every vehicle of a model year is affected by every campaign.

To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Hyundai recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2012 Hyundai Sonata? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component1,712

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h

1,712Complaints filed

53Involving a crash

100Involving a fire

40Injuries reported · 1 death

Component	Complaints	%	Crashes	Fires	Injuries
Engine	634	37	11	73	19
Steering	311	18	6	3	2
Electrical system	258	15	3	33	8
Service brakes	182	11	11	9	8
Air bags	173	10	19	2	12
Exterior lighting	143	8	2	11	3
Unknown or other	137	8	5	11	3
Power train	127	7	8	3	6
Fuel/propulsion system	104	6	1	8	2
Vehicle speed control	97	6	9	0	2
Seat belts	77	4	2	2	1
Structure	43	3	7	7	5
Electronic stability control (ESC)	37	2	0	1	0
Suspension	36	2	1	1	1
Wheels	29	2	3	1	0

18 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number, merged from NHTSA model names Sonata, Sonata Hybrid.

Latest reports

Electrical system
“I am reporting a total manufacturer parts shortage. My 2012 Hyundai Sonata GLS is part of the Hyundai Anti-Theft Customer Satisfaction Campaign P33 (Ignition Cylinder Protector).”
Filed 10/15/2026 · ODI 11771321
Air bags
“The passenger side curtain and front airbags popped with no crash or reason, yes Hyundai will be able to inspect upon pick up.”
Filed 09/26/2026 · ODI 11767119
Engine
“The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, the engine started knocking, and smoke emitted from under the hood.”
Filed 07/31/2026 · ODI 11754020

Other Hyundai Sonata model years

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Other Hyundai models

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2012 Hyundai Sonata recall questions

How many recalls does the 2012 Hyundai Sonata have?

NHTSA lists 11 safety recall campaigns for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The most recent, 23V651000 (reported September 22, 2023), concerns service brakes, hydraulic. 1 campaign carries a park-it or park-outside warning. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What are the 2012 Hyundai Sonata recalls for?

The largest group is engine, with 3 campaigns. Others: seat belts (3), service brakes, hydraulic (1), equipment (1). Each campaign below lists the defect, the risk and the free remedy.

What is the most common complaint about the 2012 Hyundai Sonata?

Engine is the most-reported component, named in 634 complaints out of 1,712 filed with NHTSA (37%). Across all complaints, owners reported 53 crashs and 100 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2012 Hyundai Sonata?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Hyundai recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Hyundai dealer.

Check a specific Hyundai by VIN

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