10.0

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

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Hyundai Sonata:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #201

Nov 032018

Sonata

  • 80,000 miles
Dec 2016 Sonata stalled out suddenly while being driven at 75 M.P.H. on a rural highway. The dealership took the car for three months returning it in March 2017 having, supposedly, replaced the engine per court order. Now, fall 2018 I made several attempts to determine what was wrong with my car now after if has been using excessive amounts of oil even after a routine oil change and has trouble with holding RPM normal while assening or descending hills. When the oil pressure light appears briefly for one minute it is only at the point when the dip stick shows no oil at all. The dealership diagnostic has revealed the need for yet another new engine, but the dealership refused to pay for the cost saying that they only provide a 12 month or 12,000 mile warranty on the replaced engine. I don't believe that they even gave me a new engine to begin with. They gave me one by engine in exchange for another bad engine and are trying to get away with not a "breach of implied warranty." All problems with my car go undetected by the computer and happen while driving at full speed.

- Killeen, TX, USA

problem #200

Oct 272018

Sonata

  • 87,000 miles
Car was in motion and decelerated in busy city street traffic 55mph 2way street. Car coasted and within seconds came to a complete stop. Would not restart. Engine light lit. I believe the engine is defective. Previously complained to dealer about middle glove box overheating from engine. Air was rerouted but was told engine couldn't be replaced unless it died.

- Dallas, GA, USA

problem #199

Jun 082018

Sonata

  • 113,000 miles
On June 8th, 2018 my husband was driving down interstate 85 in charlotte nc going about 60 mph when the vehicle stalled. He coasted the car to the side of the interstate. He turned the vehicle off then tried to restart it and nothing happen and power was dead in the car. Then he saw smoke coming from under the hood. The doors won't open so he had to climb out though the sunroof to safety. He opened the hood and the engine was inflamed with fire. He called the fire department, they came and put the fire out. The reason I'm filing this compliant is because he could have been seriously hurtor killed if the sunroof was close. Hyundai has no explanation for why this is happening and my vehowas total lost. We also have pictures and a video. I can't upload the video so if someone contacts me I will email it.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #198

Oct 182018

Sonata

  • 119,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. After the contact took the vehicle in for an oil change, the engine began making a clicking noise. The sound intensified and the engine shut off. The contact had to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and stated that the engine appeared to be blown. The vehicle currently remained at the contact's house and was not repaired. The dealer (smart choice auto group, 17650 northwest fwy, houston, tx 77065, (713) 933-1003) was contacted, but a diagnostic appointment was not scheduled. The manufacturer was called and stated that they would get back in touch with the contact. The failure mileage was 119,000.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #197

Oct 152018

Sonata

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 50 mph and exiting a freeway, the vehicle slowed down and the battery indicator illuminated. Afterwards, all of the instrument panel indicators began to flash. The contact stopped, shut off, and attempted to restart the vehicle. The contact noticed flames under the hood on the driver's side. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The fire was extinguished by the fire department and a fire report was filed. There were no injuries. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The contact was unaware if a police report was filed. The failure mileage was 70,000.

- Missouri City, TX, USA

problem #196

Oct 132018

Sonata

  • 93,000 miles
Driving 85 N to 18 E going 65 to 70 mph, I heard a very loud noise on the road. I determined the noise was from my engine. Waze found Hyundai dealership off ptree industrial 3 miles away. I was in the center lane when I was unable to accelerate, a few seconds later the oil pressure and malfunction light illuminate. I was able to cross the highway and pulled off to the right shoulder..7 miles from the dealership. I called, 911, 511 and my insurance company. The dip stick showed oil in the car. Two metal pieces were under the oil pan. The tow truck operator retrieved one. Attached are pictures from the scene. I have all maintenance records but were unable to upload

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

problem #195

Oct 072018

Sonata

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owned a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 55 mph, the contact saw a flash of light and the vehicle spontaneously caught fire in the engine compartment. The brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when it was depressed. The emergency brake was applied to stop the vehicle. The check engine indicator illuminated. There were no injuries. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed (case number: 1810104). The vehicle was towed to an unknown tow lot and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The contact called bakersfield Hyundai (5300 wible rd, bakersfield, ca 93313, (661) 834-5300) and was informed that there were no known recalls associated with the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 140,000.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #194

Oct 152018

Sonata

  • miles
I was driving my car and it just went up in flames

- Missouri, TX, USA

problem #193

Oct 012018

Sonata

  • 99,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. While driving 70 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle onto the road shoulder. The contact noticed smoke under the hood. Moments later, flames appeared that spread to the rear seats. The fire and police departments were present and a fire and a police report were filed. The vehicle was towed. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 99,000.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #192

Oct 102018

Sonata

  • 117,300 miles
On 10/10/18 my vehicle began smoking from the engine compartment after driving less than 10 miles. The engine compartment subsequently burst into flames. 911 was called and the fire was extinguished. There was not a crash preceding the fire. The engine compartment and hood area of the vehicle was burned rendering the vehicle inoperable. A claim has been filed with insurance and a report was generated by the thomaston fire and thomaston police department. Photos of the damage are attached.

- Thomaston, GA, USA

problem #191

Oct 032018

Sonata

  • 191,000 miles
First issue occurred in my job's parking lot, as I tried to crank my car it made a roaring start and didn't want to stay on. Cut the car off, checked oil. There was barely any on the stick (just got an oil change on 09/21/18 at Hyundai dealership). Added 2 qts had mom drive to dealership per serviceman request. They changed my oil and informed my mom of an ongoing issue. Well get off headed home, on regular county road headlights flashed off and on alone with radio console. Pulled over lights stayed on, but I notice taillight that has been replaced multiple times over the last couple months was out again. Tried to replace it and the wire was hot and bulb wouldn't come out. So, I decided to wait till I get home. But now I'm waiting on the side of the road because my engine light is

- Shannon, MS, USA

problem #190

Sep 302018

Sonata

  • 105,000 miles
After driving for a few minutes on highway, my 2012 Sonata hybrid will start to jump and buck. It slowly loses power and when it reaches lower speeds (under 40 mph) as I try to accelerate it will feel like it's trying to catch the next gear but won't. I will continue to lose power so I have to try to leave highway or pull over, which can be dangerous on a high speed road. It has happened three times since August 2018. Just took back to dealership but first two times they said they could not replicate problem while test driving it and all diagnosis indicated the car is fine. I see in some web sites that other users nation-wide have had the very same problem but with no resolution at hand. This is a very concerning safety issue as the last time it happened the car behind me almost run into me as my car lost power and speed rapidly and started to buck/stutter.

- Greenwood, IN, USA

problem #189

Sep 262018

Sonata

  • 202,000 miles
"takata recall" 9/29/2017 my 2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T engine started knocking while driving and also lost of power while accelerating. I called the dealership who usually works on my car and they told me to bring it in. Come to find out they said the motor was locking up and they wold submit a form to Hyundai to see if they would replace my engine. 07/05/2018 my car has done the same thing and the dealership is refusing to replace the engine this time even though its been less than a year since they replaced it last time and I have been regularly getting my oil changed.

- Fairfield, AL, USA

problem #188

Jul 152018

Sonata 4-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
On July 15th 2018 at 10:30 am while driving at 35+ mph the car started smoking from the hood area, after pulling over I noticed it was smoking quite heavy, I raised the hood and the engine was on fire... Hyundai of Canada refuses to respond to my requests for compensation...

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #187

Aug 102018

Sonata

  • 0 miles
Takata recall. Engine light and airbag light came on. The car hasn't been working properly in the last few months so I pulled up the VIN number and noticed that the car had a few recalls went to Sonata cfl in clermont they said they couldn't fix anything because the engine light was on but that they fixed the airbag recall. So I'm still running my car, which is my only means of transportation with an airbag and engine light on. I'm scared for me and my children. I called today again to seek assistance or somewhat of answers of whats going on. They shared with me last time that my car had to many mileage that at the time had about 120436

- Minneola, FL, USA

problem #186

Aug 212018

Sonata

  • 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Hyundai Sonata. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle caught on fire and smoke appeared under the hood. While driving, the odor of fuel entered the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and noticed that the engine was engulfed in a thick, dark cloud of smoke and flames. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Keffer Hyundai (9010 East independence blvd, matthews, North Carolina 28105, (704) 343-8238) was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and provided the contact with case number: 115-743-89. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

problem #185

Aug 312018

Sonata

  • 126,000 miles
I pulled out into traffic on a city street and my car revved up between 4 and 5, and than all lights on dash lit up and my car died. I coasted into parking lot (safely thankfully) and car started smoking so got out immediately. My car was towed to local repair shop who replaced starter which was what they believed it to be. Turns out it was not starter it is engine that will need to be replaced. I looked into recalls and contacted Hyundai customer service who informed me this engine recall had been completed already. I was directed to dealership to follow up on what options there are as 'extended warranty' only covers up to 120000 miles which my car is over. The repair shop I went to mentioned there was no oil on dipstick when checked which is concerning to me as that seems to be what result of recall that was completed would result in, along with other symptoms like dash lighting up which I read from other reports. I am always up to date on getting regular oil changes at 5000 miles they now recommend instead of 3000 miles (which dealership records will show), and was not at 5000 mile point so that should not have been an issue. I also do not recall being informed of any oil leaks or concerns for this vehicle that I would have needed to keep an eye on. I have yet to follow up with dealership as it is holiday weekend so will see what they are able to do. I want to know who to contact if a recall does not fix the problem and what next steps are to help me as a consumer who always takes care of car. A cars engine should not be bad at under 130000 miles and too many similar symptoms to not have it followed up on and manufacturer take some responsibility. I am going to have to have repair shop fix it and get reimbursed unless Hyundai dealer is willing to have it towed so they be responsible and strive to provide honest customer service and stand behind their car.

- Roseville, MN, USA

problem #184

Aug 262018

Sonata

  • 80,000 miles
I was driving my 2012 hyundia Sonata down the road, and all of a sudden, the whole car shut off. This caused the steering wheel and the brakes to fail. Fortunately, I was able to make it to the side of the road, and I smelled smoke. At first, I thought the engine was overheating, so I opened the hood to see what was going on. I saw a ball of fire, and quickly grabbed my 4 year old and 10 year old out of the car. By the time I got them out of the car, the whole engine bay engulfed in flames. After telling my story, I have had multiple people reach out to me with similar stories.

- Dover, FL, USA

problem #183

Jun 022018

Sonata

  • 95,000 miles
While driving car on rt 50 West bound towards the bay bridge, an engine popping noise occurred, then fumes starting coming from vents. Pull car over while getting out flames were already coming from the engine. Within minutes the whole car was engulfed in flames. No time to retrieve any items inside the car. The md transportation authority police were on the seen and called fire dept. Fire department said it was an electrical based on sparks as they were putting out the fire. Hyundai investigated the car remains and could not determine any cause.car pictures are to large of a file to submit

- Arnold, MD, USA

problem #182

Aug 172018

Sonata

  • 36,000 miles
While driving in motion or after driving briefly after a complete stop. The emergency brake light may come on, or the actual brake lights would start to flicker for no reason. The rpms on the car would drop very low and then rise over 3000. The vehicle would then decelerate and not allow to go higher than 25 mph. The engine also makes a knocking noise. This has caused two near accidents, one being T-boned by another vehicle and another almost being hit in the rear of the vehicle by another vehicle. This has been stated to the local dealership at least twice and they state they cannot find anything wrong that would cause these issues. The vehicle has been taken to taylor Hyundai of augusta each time to be inspected.

- Aiken, SC, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »