2012 Hyundai Sonata

1,461 serious complaints of 1,711, the most about engine (634) and steering (311); per car on the road, 1.4× this model's usual year. 11 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21003: engine fires. NHTSA investigation RQ17004: scope and timeliness.

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata. While driving 55 mph, the vehicle made a loud knocking noise. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 15v568000 (engine).”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Aug 2016

“The contact owns a 2012 hyundai sonata. The contact stated that while making a right or left turn at approximately 5 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel without warning. In addition, while driving over a bump, the steering wheel shook violently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.”

An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Oct 2015

Fixes and extended coverage

• Extended coverage The technology uses software innovations and leverages existing engine sensors to continuously monitor for symptoms that may precede an engine failure. In addition, Hyundai will extend the warranty to 10 years and 120,000 miles (up from 100,000 miles) for original and subsequent owners of the… (953, Feb 2019)
• Extended coverage Hyundai has announced an extended warranty for the motor driven power steering (MDPS) coupling on the following vehicles: ? 2011-2014 Sonata (YFa), 2011-2014 Sonata Hybrid (YF HEV) ? 2007-2015 Elantra (HD, MD/UD), 2009-2012 Elantra Touring (FD) The MDPS been extended to 10 years from the date of… (5NP-F8M5G, Feb 2017)
• Extended coverage The warranty coverage for the clock spring has been extended to 15 years with unlimited mileage from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use. (26-BE-022H, Aug 2026)
• Extended coverage hyundai is providing an extended warranty for the engine “short block “assembly (consisting of the engine block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings, and pistons) on 2011–2014 sonatas. (5NP-U7X3S, May 2016)
• Extended coverage The warranty coverage for engine repair or replacement regarding engine damage or malfunction from connecting rod bearing wear has been extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles from the date of original retail delivery or date of first use, whichever occurs first, and is valid for original and… (22-EM-006H-2, Nov 2022)
• Extended coverage Some 2011-14MY Sonata (YF) vehicles may exhibit inoperative brake lights that may be caused by melting/deformation of the rear combination housing lamps. Hyundai is extending warranty coverage for the rear combination lamp under this condition to 15 years/200,000 miles from the date of original… (23-01-089H, Dec 2023)

From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.

1,711 owner complaints · 11 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 26–36 mpg · NHTSA: 5 of 5 stars · 2012 trims and features